The ANSAA Emerging Leaders Academy is designed to develop and strengthen the leadership skills and confidence of current and aspiring educational leaders within nonpublic schools in Arkansas.

Audience

This program is ideal for aspiring leaders, department heads, new administrators, and educators seeking professional growth and advancement.

Time Commitment

Participants will gather for eight virtual meetings per semester, scheduled for Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  Interim assignments—such as readings, reflections, and video reviews— will be completed in preparation for each session. The total time commitment is approximately 12 hours of virtual instruction and 12 hours of independent work per semester.

Investment 

The cost for the ANSAA Emerging Leaders Academy is $500 per participant/per semester and includes all instruction and resources.  This learning opportunity is eligible for schools to use Title II-A funding.  

Spring 2026 ANSAA Emerging Leaders Faculty

Kristene Grelle - 
Governance & Leadership in Independent Secular & Religious Faith-Based Schools

​Kristine Grelle is the Executive Director for the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (ANSAA). She began working for the organization in 2009, beginning as the Associate Director prior to moving into her current position. Before working with ANSAA, she was an elementary and middle school teacher and principal for nineteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Missouri State University (Springfield, MO), Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville followed by additional graduate credits to obtain her educational administrator’s licensure in Arkansas.

Matt Dempsey- 
Legal & Regulatory Issues in Private Education

Matt Dempsey is the principal of Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Arkansas, a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas Law School, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas Monticello. He also completed a graduate certificate in Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University.
Before entering school leadership, Mr. Dempsey practiced law with Kutak Rock, LLP, and later served as a deputy prosecutor in Pulaski County. He has been an assistant principal for 12 years and became principal in July 2023. He has also served as Dean of Students and Director of Curriculum, and currently teaches Algebra II, Sports Statistics, and Religion.

Fall 2025 ANSAA Emerging Leaders Faculty

Michelle Ward - 
Theories & Styles of Leadership

Michelle Ward is a retired career educator from Little Rock, Arkansas, with over three decades of experience in the field of education. She dedicated 19 of those years to serving as an administrator at Pulaski Academy. In addition to her administrative work, Michelle has been an active leader within ANSAA, serving on the Board for 5 years. Michelle has played an integral role in the design, development, and implementation of the ANSAA Emerging Leaders Academy lending both her deep understanding of school leadership and her passion for mentoring aspiring administrators.

Dr. Greg Jones - Strategic Thinking & Planning

Dr. Greg Jones has served as a chief executive officer in Christian education since 1999 and is currently in his fifth year as President and Head of School at Baptist Prep in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout his career, Dr. Jones has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing K–12 non-public education. In addition to his leadership roles within schools, he has contributed significantly through consulting, advocacy, and service on various boards and committees that shape private education both regionally and nationally.​