Master’s Academy has a new Head of School, Dr. Rick Brewer, an educator with a long history in higher education and a vision of doubling the Vero Beach private school’s enrollment over the next five years.

Brewer comes to Master’s after nine years as president and CEO of Louisiana Christian University, and 37 years of experience in Christian higher education. He will be the third Head of School in the academy’s 26-year history.

“I love the mission, the vision and the core values,” Brewer said. “We’re about faith, family, freedom and football.”

Master’s Academy was founded in 1998 with a class of 14 kindergarten students. Under the leadership of Dr. Grant Powell, the school gradually expanded its elementary, middle and high school course offerings and graduated its first senior class in 2009. There are currently 305 students at the preschool through 12th- grade campus, with more than 320 expected to attend in the fall.

The Academy is located at 1105 58th Avenue in Vero Beach, but its leadership is searching for space to accommodate future expansion of the school community.

The outgoing Head of School, Dr. Wayne Smith, grew enrollment by approximately 30 percent during his 11-year tenure. He implemented strategic initiatives to add programs and improve technology, while increasing and balancing the organization’s budget.

Brewer believes it is vital to train the upcoming generation, dubbed Generation Alpha, well with a “safe, wholesome, healthy environment. They will be the largest generation ever. We don’t want to be kept a secret. We’re training up a group of kids to be ethical leaders,” he said. “Three things underscore what we do: analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. That is a set of skills that will carry them through life.”

While the school shares a campus with Pathway Church, it is an independent ministry. About 35 churches of various denominations are represented at the school.

In addition to his passion for Christian education, Brewer is an avid supporter of athletics and music. He started piano lessons at age five and has recorded Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs I and II on the piano. “I did what my mother said to do,” said Brewer, chuckling. A lover of music and sports, especially football, the new leader sees a future of expanded fine arts and sports programs.

Brewer was instrumental in expanding course offerings and electives, growing enrollment, and initiating strategic change during his tenure at LCU. Under his leadership, the university successfully established partnerships, upgraded technology, and raised over $50 million for campus refurbishment.

The new leader holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policies from the University of South Carolina, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in History from Charleston Southern University. He also has completed higher education and nonprofit leadership certificates from Harvard, Duke, and Baylor universities.