Dual accreditation

North Hills Christian School, an independent, co-educational Christian school, has a slight increase in student enrollment for 2008-2009 and recently received renewal of its dual accreditation status.

According to Matt Mitchell, head of school, there is a waiting list of applicants for several classes that are at capacity.

North Hills received re-accreditations from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International. Schools may voluntarily apply for re-accreditation every five years through a process that involves a rigorous internal and external evaluation and a student assessment. The goal of accreditation is to focus educators on continuous improvement, financial stability and effectiveness.

North Hills, founded 42 years ago, serves students in preschool beginning at age 3 through high school. It is a non-profit Christian school that employs 45 faculty and staff members. Its mission is to "equip the minds and hearts of students to impact the world for Christ."

New staff this year include Dr. Shirley Lookadoo, curriculum coordinator; Angie Richard, director of admissions and advancement; Nikki Eagle, admissions coordinator; and Brian Cook, athletic director.

Luckadoo previously was executive vice president of Academic Services at Rowan- Cabarrus Community College. She has bachelor of arts degree in business and economics with a minor in education from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., a master of divinity degree from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs and more than 33 years of experience in the education field, including 18 years as a classroom teacher and 15 years as an administrator.

Richard replaced Lari Hatley, who has accepted a position with Duke University's Lemur Foundation in Durham. Richard has 10 years' experience in the marketing communications field, most recently with Communities in Schools of Rowan County. Prior to moving to Salisbury, she was director of advertising for MasterCraft Boat Co. She has a bachelor of science degree in communications with a concentration in journalism and public relations from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.

Eagle, who will assist Richard, has been a teacher in the North Hills' preschool program for four years. She will continue teaching preschool with part-time responsibilities in admissions. She has a bachelor of science degree in business administration and management from Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer. Previously a business owner, she has 15 years experience in sales, marketing and business management.

Cook, former assistant athletic director, was recently voted commissioner of the Mid-State Christian Athletic Conference, a high school varsity conference. He has been at North Hills since 2006 and has 13 years of coaching experience, including three years as a high school basketball coach in Jacksonville, Fla.

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