Academy Leadership

Principal Kahl received his Master’s of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where he graduated top of his class. Prior to this he was a Lieutenant in the US Navy where he served everywhere from Newport, Rhode Island, to Orlando, Florida, working on the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program.

Principal Kahl consistently excelled in his education. His many academic accomplishments include a triple major in math, physics, and chemistry from Lenoir-Rhyne College (LRC) in Hickory, North Carolina, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He met his wife, Cindy, at LRC where she was studying nursing. In high school, he participated in the chess club, wrestling team,  and the math team where he placed third in the Western NC math competition for geometry during sophomore year and first in the comprehensive math his senior year, and placed fifth in North Carolina his senior year. He also received awards in math, physics, and chemistry from Brevard High School upon graduating.

Even through all of his academic accomplishments and professional successes in the Navy, Principal and Mrs. Kahl continued to feel pulled towards ministry. He decided not to pursue a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and instead enrolled in seminary following the lead of his father who was a chaplain in the Army. His father’s career allowed him to grow up in many different places, including West Germany, Alabama, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Cindy and Rev. Kahl made Richfield, NC, their home following seminary in 1992.

Rev. Kahl was influenced strongly by his teachers during his life, and his interest in education peaked during the sixth grade by Mr. Akagi while living in Munich, Germany. In addition to the influence of teachers who encouraged his study of math and science, he stayed highly involved in his family’s church and the youth group. This upbringing was key in developing his passion for education.