Acadiana private school names new president from Florida

Leigh Guidry, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
·2 min read

Westminster Christian Academy announced the appointment of Ray Casey as the school’s new president effective Monday, the school's board of directors announced.

The private school was founded in Acadiana in 1976 with a mission of assisting parents in educating their children "by imparting God’s truth to transform society for present and future generations," according to the school.

It serves students in preK3 to 12th grade with campuses in Lafayette and Opelousas, each led by principals who will be under the leadership of the new president.

Westminster Christian Academy announced the appointment of Ray Casey (right) as the school’s new president effective Monday, June 20, 2022. Pictured with him is his wife, Esther.
Westminster Christian Academy announced the appointment of Ray Casey (right) as the school’s new president effective Monday, June 20, 2022. Pictured with him is his wife, Esther.

Casey comes to the school with more than 20 years of experience working in preK-12 education, ranging from leading students on overseas mission trips to coaching girls' and boys' basketball.

For the past five years he has served as head of school for First Baptist Academy in Naples, Florida. As head of school, he focused on strategic planning, leadership development, marketing for growth and "cultivating a heart for serving the local community," reads a release.

He earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Renewal at Regent University School of Divinity in Virginia Beach in 2013. His dissertation was titled "How Leadership Makes and Breaks School Communities."

He also holds three earned master's degrees in Biblical studies, nonprofit management and public policy.

Board President Josh Proffitt called Casey "personable, family-oriented, and a passionate educational leader with experience in strategic growth and leadership development."

"We believe his dedication to and past demonstrations in excellence in all areas of Christian education, from academics, to athletics, to fine arts, to other extracurricular activities, to leadership and teacher development, to the overall student and family experience and value proposition, will position Westminster for greater achievements and growth in the coming years," Proffitt said.

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Casey also has a passion for missions, having served on or led 50 international and domestic service trips around the world since 1985, according to a school release.

The new president comes to south Louisiana with wife Esther and their three youngest children, Bethany (17), Shane (13), and Ben (9), Casey said.

"I am grateful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to serve and see the transforming power of Christ in schools committed to Kingdom education, and we're excited to be a part of what the Lord has in store for future growth on the Charger and Crusader campuses," Casey said.

Contact children's issues reporter Leigh Guidry at Lguidry@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @LeighGGuidry.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: What to know about Westminster Christian Academy's new president