Kristi Reynolds Appointed Lipscomb Academy Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School for Strategic and Innovative Initiatives

Lipscomb Academy is pleased to announce that Kristi Reynolds has been appointed Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School for Strategic and Innovative Initiatives, effective April 13, 2026.

When Reynolds stepped into the role of Interim Head of Upper School last November, Lipscomb Academy announced its intention to conduct a comprehensive nationwide search for this critical position. Throughout that process, Reynolds demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the academy's mission working diligently with students, parents, and faculty to build healthy relationships and maintain open dialogue. Her performance in the interim role, combined with the insights gained during the extensive search process, made it clear that the right leader for this position was already serving the academy.

After careful consideration and evaluation, Reynolds was asked to accept the permanent appointment as Head of Upper School, and the academy is encouraged that she has agreed to continue in this expanded capacity.

“Kristi brings both deep institutional knowledge and innovative vision to this role. Her enthusiasm for educational excellence and her proven ability to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, and faculty and staff make her uniquely qualified to lead our upper school. Her track record of launching transformative programs demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking leadership our students deserve,” stated Dr. Brad Schultz, Lipscomb Academy Head of School.

“It is a privilege to serve our upper school community in this role. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue building meaningful relationships with students, parents, and teachers as we collectively pursue our mission of Christ-centered education. Watching students grow, discover their passions, and achieve their goals, all while grounded in biblical principles, is what drives my work every day,” stated Kristi Reynolds, Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School for Strategic and Innovative Initiatives for Lipscomb Academy.
Additionally, as part of a review of Kristi's previous role as Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Academy’s current and future priorities, and reorganization recommendations as part of Project Ephesians, Kristi will also serve on the leadership team for the Head of School in the role of Assistant Head of School for Strategic and Innovative Initiatives. In this capacity, she will collaborate with the Academy Head of School and other leaders to develop and execute long-term strategic plans. She will lead initiatives that keep the school competitive and aligned with modern pedagogical standards while maintaining a Christian worldview. Her responsibilities will include advancing programs that ensure academic excellence, implementing innovative teaching methods and specialized programming, and ensuring all strategic initiatives and school culture, including student life and faculty development, reflect Christian principles and a biblical worldview. 
“Having served Lipscomb Academy for nearly three decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing tremendous growth in our academic offerings and programs. I look forward to strategic planning that keeps us true to our mission. At the same time, I am committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of educational excellence. Our students deserve nothing less than innovative, Christ-centered learning experiences that prepare them for the future,” stated Reynolds.

Reynolds brings 28 years of educational experience to these roles, having served as Interim Head of Upper School, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and chemistry teacher at Lipscomb Academy. She pioneered Ignite, a pre-career experiential learning program, and launched Endeavor, a flexible scheduling initiative that encourages students to pursue individual passions. She piloted Accelerate, a specialized instructional program tailored for advanced learners. She launched online courses, led the implementation of the academy’s Next Level strategic plan, onboarded the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching rubric, developed requirements for the Honors Diploma, and created Paths of Distinction for career-focused studies. She taught the academy’s first-ever Advanced Placement course, AP Chemistry.

Reynolds holds a Master of Education in School Administration and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and education, both from Lipscomb University.

Reynolds’ proven track record and institutional knowledge position academy students well for continued success.