Our People

Administration

Meet the team leading Rossville Christian Academy.

Chip Blanchard, Head of School

Chip Blanchard

Head of School

Mr. Blanchard’s career in education spans almost 2 decades and includes a BS degree in History and an MS degree in Educational Leadership. His early career included History instruction, coach, grade level chairman, team chairman, and curriculum technology trainer. He also served as an assistant principal, vice-principal, and principal in middle and high school settings. With his experience, he brings a vast array of ideas and enthusiasm to RCA. In 2018, as Principal of Collierville High School, Mr. Blanchard received Administrator of the Year for Tennessee by the Tennessee Association of Student Councils. While in that role, CHS was nationally recognized as one of the top 1K Most Challenging High Schools by the Washington Post, as well as, a Tennessee Reward School which recognizes the Top 5% percent of schools in academic growth state-wide. Mr. Blanchard grew up in Bartlett, TN where he attended a small private Christian school for his grade level years. And then, continued his education at a small private Christian college in Chattanooga, TN. It is because of his background and strong faith that encouraged him to pursue a career shift from public education to private in order to follow the Lord’s pursuance of his talents and beliefs. Mr. Blanchard was selected as RCA’s new Head of School in 2019 and he is very excited to grow relationships in and outside of the community, while extending a quality learning environment and an extensive extra-curricular pathway for all future wolves. Mr. Blanchard’s favorite bible verse is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” This is represented in the three C’s he uses to evaluate the work of RCA. Curriculum – how am I helping my students see God through the study of this subject? How do we see brokenness and redemption in this discipline? What is God’s intention for this aspect of his created order? How might we be a part of his plan to restore it? Classroom – how am I modeling faith and how do my pedagogical practices encourage faith in students? Community – is my classroom modeling Christ’s law of loving God and loving neighbors? How am I contributing to the professional community in my school? How is our school impacting our community? He and his wife, Jana, enjoy living in the heart of Rossville, and have two children, both of whom attend RCA. Jana has a dedicated career in education and has served as a school counselor for 17 years. Together, they are committed to not only embracing RCA, but embracing the warm small town feel of this community. They share a united vision to grow ‘R Town & R School’ into something that is a positively unique and differentiated experience for the whole child as a child of God.

John Jacobs, 7-12th Principal

John Jacobs

7-12th Principal

Mr. Jacobs is the newest member of the RCA Administrative team serving as the Dean of Advising and Planning. Mr. Jacobs comes to Rossville Christian Academy with a Bachelor of Science in History and a minor in Bible from Tennessee Temple University. Additionally, Mr. Jacobs holds a master’s degree in Education from Union University. Two high school teachers, Mr. Harmon and Mr. Fullerton, had a lasting and profound impact on Mr. Jacobs’s life, guiding him closer to Christ and maturity. This investment was a significant catalyst in his decision to pursue a career in teaching and, eventually, administration. Now, with over 20 years of education experience, Mr. Jacobs enjoys cultivating relationships with students and watching them evolve as young adults to discover their potential. Mr. Jacobs’s favorite Bible passage, which he routinely imparts to his students in senior Bible, shares how a person gains true wisdom, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5 Mr. Jacobs has been married to his wife Jennifer for 18 years, and they have three children at RCA, Grace (9th grade), Carter (6th grade), and Hannah (Senior Kindergarten). Being a Memphis native, Mr. Jacobs enjoys cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers. However, watching his children participate in sports is his most enjoyable pastime.

Sara Russell, Elementary Principal

Sara Russell

Elementary Principal

Sara Russell joined the Rossville Christian Academy family in 2015 and has dedicated more than 25 years to elementary education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Memphis and has spent her career helping young learners build a strong academic and spiritual foundation.

After many years teaching first grade, Mrs. Russell is honored to serve as Elementary Principal. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed mentoring teachers, supporting curriculum development, and partnering with families to help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Mrs. Russell and her husband, Jeff, are grateful to call RCA home. Their two children attended RCA from preschool through graduation, giving her a unique perspective as both an educator and parent within the school community.

Mrs. Russell is passionate about creating a school culture where students feel loved, challenged, and encouraged to pursue God's purpose for their lives. She is thankful to serve at a school that places Christ at the center of all it does and looks forward to partnering with families as together we help students grow in wisdom, character, and faith.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Terrence Robertson, Dean of Students 7th-12th & Head Girls Basketball Coach

Terrence Robertson

Dean of Students 7th-12th & Head Girls Basketball Coach

Rossville Christian Academy is proud to have alumnus Coach Terrence Robertson serving as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Elementary Athletic Director, Middle/High School Dean of Students, and Physical Education Teacher.

A graduate of RCA, Coach Robertson continued his basketball career at Martin Methodist College before transferring to the University of Memphis, where he studied Business Management with a focus in Entrepreneurship. His journey has now come full circle as he pours back into the school and community that helped shape him.

Coach Robertson is passionate about developing students and student-athletes through discipline, accountability, relationships, and high standards. As leader of the Lady Wolves basketball program, he emphasizes toughness, preparation, and sisterhood while challenging his players to pursue excellence both on and off the court.

For Coach Robertson, serving at RCA is an opportunity to invest in the next generation of Wolves and provide students with the same strong foundation that played an important role in his own journey.

Dan Haddow, College & Career Counselor

Dan Haddow

College & Career Counselor

Dan Haddow has built a career dedicated to education, counseling, and leadership, with a mission to connect schools, families, and communities through hope and support. Dan's work involves supporting families in crisis, guiding educational placements, and addressing school-related challenges, including college and career counseling, support skills for becoming an effective student, and listening and providing reflective options that reinforce students' strengths.

Marilyn Loftin, Director of Finance

Marilyn Loftin

Director of Finance

Marilyn is originally from Western KY and currently lives in Memphis. She attends Grace Valley Church in Collierville where she is active with guest services. Marilyn has two daughters and one granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys yard work, reading, home improvements, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Stacey Gwyn, Administrative Assistant Finance Office

Stacey Gwyn

Administrative Assistant Finance Office

Mrs. Gwyn joined the RCA finance department in 2022. Prior to joining the staff at RCA, she worked 20 years in the paramedical insurance industry.

Stacey and her husband, Gary, have been married 19 years. They have two daughters, Ava and Hayley, who have attended RCA since 2015. They are members of Rossville Baptist Church.

In her free time, she enjoys watching her girls play softball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Bailey, Elementary Office Assistant

Jennifer Bailey

Elementary Office Assistant

Jennifer joined RCA in August of 2010 as the Elementary PE teacher. In 2019, she transitioned to the role of Elementary Office Assistant. Jennifer loves her Wolfpack family and serving them. She has been married to Troy for 23 years and they have a daughter, Annie Clare, who is a Junior here at RCA. Annie Clare has attended RCA since Pre-K. Jennifer and her family are members of First Baptist Church Hickory Withe. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, swimming, coaching, and anything outdoors. Jennifer's favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

April Shivers, Administrative Assistant & Admissions Coordinator

April Shivers

Administrative Assistant & Admissions Coordinator

April Shivers Joined RCA in November of 2021 as the Admissions Coordinator. She is passionate about welcoming prospective students and families to the WolfPack campus and showing them what a true family we are. She previously worked in the medical field for 22 years. She and her high school sweetheart, Jason, have been married for 19 years. They have two children: Bryson (16) and Abbie (13) who have both been a part of the Pack their entire school career! The Shivers family enjoys watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play all sports, and in her free time, April enjoys attending her children’s sporting events. They are members of Rossville Baptist Church. Her favorite verse is “ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

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Come see it for yourself.

Prospective students and families may visit any time throughout the year. We would love to share how RCA can be a safe place for your child to be loved, nurtured, and challenged.