Middle Tennessee 

Christian School 

Training for Eternity

"Train up a child in the way he should go;

and when he is old,

he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6


 Secondary Faculty

Emily Blanks  e-mail

Mrs. Blanks teaches 7th grade General Science, 11th grade Biology, and Junior High girls' Bible and is the head boys' and girls' golf coach as well as assistant varsity girls' basketball coach and varsity boys soccer administrative assistant coach.  She received her degree from Freed-Hardeman University, where she was a member of the women's basketball team.  After graduation, she spent two years at Goodpasture Christian School, teaching Science and Bible and assisting with the girls' basketball and volleyball teams.  Before coming to MTCS in 2008, she spent five years at Lebanon High School teaching Honors Biology and Biology, as well as assisting with girls' basketball, volleyball, and track.  Mrs. Blanks and her husband, Mark, are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl, Lillian Kate, born June 22, 2009.  The Blanks family worships at the Auburntown Church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about MTCS is that I can share my faith with others who have the same spiritual goals as I do."

 

 

Rick Chambless  e-mail

Our Bible teacher and soccer coach, Mr. Chambless lives in Smyrna with his wife Laura, and two young sons.  He serves as associate minister at Smyrna Church of Christ, where works with the College Ministry, LIFE Groups, and missions.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in social studies from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Biblical and related studies from Abilene Christian University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Lipscomb University.  Mr. Chambless loves to study the Bible and talk about faith with Christians and non-Christians alike.  He enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, running, and catching fish. 

David Dunn  e-mail

Mr. Dunn is a native of Murfreesboro and a graduate of Central High School.  He received his Associate Arts degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 1972 and graduated cum laude from Lipscomb University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He went on to receive his Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in 1977 and obtained his Teaching Certification from California State University Long Beach in 1985.  Mr. Dunn teaches high school Bible and Speech and has taught at MTCS for over 20 years.  Prior to teaching at MTCS, he taught at Orange County Christian School in California.  He and his wife, Trisha Jenkins Dunn, have 2 daughters.  In addition to his duties here at MTCS, he is the minister for the Auburntown Church of Christ.  In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and reading, and is a Vols, Titans, and Dodgers fan.  He states that his favorite thing about MTCS is the students.

 

Mariana Eddy  e-mail

Mrs. Eddy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb College and her Master's degree from Vanderbilt University.  She has been at MTCS since 1998 and teaches elementary Spanish to our 1st through 6th graders and high school Spanish IV.  Prior to joining the MTCS staff, she taught 1 year at Park Gardens Academy in Puerto Rico and taught junior high and high school at Ezell Harding Christian School.  In addition, she taught 1 semester each as an adjunct professor at Travecca Nazarene College and David Lipscomb University.   She and her husband, Nelson, have 3 children (Martina, John and Sawyer) and attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ.  Her favorite things about MTCS are the relationships among faculty, staff, administration and student families, and the spiritual potential of the student body.

 

Jason Faulkner  e-mail

Mr. Faulkner received his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Freed-Hardeman University in 1989, and continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University where he earned his Masters of Arts degree in European History.  He has been at MTCS since 1993 and teaches 12th grade A.P. European History, American Government, and Economics, and 11th grade American History.  In addition to his many responsibilities, he is an adjunct professor of the Middle Tennessee State University Department of History, a member of the Murfreesboro Lions Club, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Historic Springfield Foundation.  He is a member of the East Main Church of Christ.       

 

Katie Frazier  e-mail

Mrs. Frazier received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Harding University.  She is certified for K-12 music education, with specialization in instrumental instruction.  Before joining the staff at MTCS  in 2007, she taught one year in Bradford, AR.  She currently teaches PK3, TK, and Kindergarten general music, in addition to 4th grade music and recorders, and 5th-12th grade Bands.  Mrs. Frazier and her husband, Shawn, attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ.

 

Shawn Frazier  e-mail

Mr. Frazier received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Harding University.  He is certified for K-12 music education, specializing in vocal instruction.  He has been with MTCS since 2007.  Mr. Frazier currently teaches 3rd grade music, JH General Music, JH Chorus, HS Chorus, and assists the 5th and 6th grade bands and chorus along with teaching an 11th grade Bible class.  Mr. Frazier and his wife, Mrs. Frazier, attend North Boulevard Church of Christ.

 

 

Lawrence Goodwyn  e-mail

Mr. Goodwyn holds a Master's degree in Bible, an undergraduate French/Education degree from David Lipscomb University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Abilene Christian University.   Mr. Goodwyn's has been at MTCS since 2004 where he teaches Bible and French, and coaches tennis as well as soccer.  Before coming to MTCS, he taught at Kennedy Middle School in Nashville, and prior to that taught at Friendship Christian School in Lebanon for 5 years.  He has taught Bible, French, and English at all secondary grade levels.  He and his wife, Linda, attend the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon and are the proud parents of four children.  Mr. Goodwyn says that his favorite thing about MTCS is the "lunch bunch." 

 

Anne Harper  e-mail

Mrs. Harper teaches AP Biology, Anatomy, and Chemistry.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Plant Science from the University of Florida in 1976 and a Master Degree in Secondary Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1992. She has 20+ years of teaching experience, most of it overseas in international schools.  She has lived in a variety of cultures that include:  Latin America, North Africa, the Mideast, Europe, and Southeast Asia.  Upon her return to the U.S., she taught at Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood.  She, her husband Robert, and their son are active members at Minerva Drive Church of Christ.   Her favorite activities include golf, tennis, and gardening.

 

Mary Hibdon  e-mail

Mrs. Hibdon holds a  Master's degree from Middle Tennessee State University.  She has been at MTCS since 1992 and has taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Skill Enhancement Math.  Before joining the MTCS staff, she taught at Smyrna High School.  She and her husband, Dan, have two grown daughters and have attended the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ for many years.  She enjoys photography, traveling, and celebrating her students' birthdays.  When asked about MTCS, she responded, "My favorite things about MTCS are the faculty, students, and parents.  It's family!  We're caring, loving, and sincere.  I enjoy the smiles and hugs I receive everyday!"

 

Nicole Hurt  e-mail

Mrs. Hurt is a graduate of Lipscomb University.  She has taught since 2000 and joined the MTCS staff in 2008.  She teachers Speech, Drama, 7th grade History/Geography, Reading Skills, and Girls' Bible. She previously taught at Buchanan and Blackman Middle School.  Before coming to MTCS, she spent 2005-2008 being a stay-at-home Mommy.  She and her husband, Jim, have a beautiful daughter, Sydney, and they worship at the North Boulevard congregation.  Her favorite thing about MTCS is being able to share her faith with her students and connect with them on levels she never could before!

 

 

 

 

Debbie Mankin  e-mail

Mrs. Mankin graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She completed her Master’s in counseling from Liberty University in 2006 and has taken graduate courses at MTSU.  She taught sixth grade at MTCS for five years and taught one year as the junior high English and Pre-Algebra teacher.  She has served as our secondary guidance counselor since 2002, a job she says she truly enjoys.  Before coming to MTCS, she taught sixth grade in Smyrna for four years and owned a custom framing business for 13 years while her children were growing up.  She and her husband, Joe, have 2 sons, both of whom are MTCS graduates. Her oldest son, Joseph, graduated from Lipscomb University and is currently youth minister for the Hillsboro Church of Christ in Nashville.  Her youngest son, Aaron, is currently a student at Lipscomb University.  The Mankin family attends Kingwood Heights Church of Christ.  "My favorite thing about working at MTCS is that I work with people who know the power of prayer and love the Lord.  The students, faculty, and staff are family here."    

Mandy Massey  e-mail

Mrs. Massey received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Freed-Hardeman University. She received her Master's of Education from MTSU. She joined the staff at MTCS in 2008 and currently teaches 9th grade English. Previously she taught 11th and 12th grade English. She and her husband, Chad, are members of the East Main Church of Christ where they each serve as teachers in high school classes and leaders in devotional groups. "MTCS exceeds my expectations as a private Christian school. In no other place can you find such a sense of community to build relationships with fellow teachers, students, and their parents. At MTCS, God is surrounds us every day." 

 

Rob Mathis  e-mail

Mr. Mathis received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University.  He joined the MTCS staff in 2004.  He teaches Physical Science, Physics, Skill Enhancement Math and Computer Technology (Programming) classes.  He has also taught Algebra II and Pre-Algebra, but has focused his attention the last few years on the expanded Computer Technology program.  He is married to Candace Mathis, and they have 3 children.  He and his family attend the Milton Church of Christ.  He states that his favorite thing about MTCS is the great God-fearing staff, faculty, students, and parents.

 

Lynne Maxwell  e-mail

Mrs. Maxwell received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech from Freed-Hardeman College.  She has been at MTCS since 1992 and currently teaches 10th, 12th, and Advanced Placement English.  In past years, she has also taught 7th through 12th grade English, as well as Drama and Speech.  Kingwood Heights Church of Christ has been the church home for the Maxwell family since 1983. Mrs. Maxwell's husband, Jerry, serves as elder, and both are involved in the education and library ministries.  They have 2 children.  She expressed her feelings about MTCS by saying,  "My favorite thing about MTCS is the people -- I love my students and I love the people I work with.  I like working in a place where Christ is the center of our day."

 

Kimberly McKnight  e-mail

Miss McKnight is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University.  She has been at MTCS since 2004.  She teaches 7th Grade Tennessee History, 8th Grade U.S. History, and 7th and 8th grade girls' Bible.  In addition, she is the faculty sponsor of the Junior Beta Club and coach of the high school girls' softball team.  Miss McKnight is a member of Bellwood Church of Christ in Murfreesboro.  She says that her favorite thing about MTCS is the support she receives from the other teachers and parents.

 

Todd Miller  e-mail

Mr. Miller is a graduate of Ezell Harding Christian School, Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University.  He has been our secondary principal since 2005, although he has been part of our school family as a parent for several years.  He spent the previous five years as assistant principal at Holloway High School and has also taught and coached at Ezell Harding Christian School, Goodpasture Christian School, and Smyrna High School.  He and his wife, Phyllis, have 3 children -- one of whom is an MTCS student and two who are graduates of MTCS.  They attend North Boulevard Church of Christ.  We feel very fortunate that Mr. Miller has come our way.

Karen Neely  e-mail

Ms. Neely teaches Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.  She has been at MTCS since 2005 and served as  our boys' and girls' cross country coach since 2000.  Ms. Neely received her Masters of Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1997.  She has served in the Army Reserves for over 20 years, including a 12-month deployment to Iraq.  Her hobbies include running, reading, and spending time with family and friends.  She has three children -- Julie Anne, Daniel and Jonathan, and she and her family worship with the Auburntown church of Christ.  Ms. Neely says she is thankful to consider the faculty and students at MTCS part of her extended family!

 

Brandon O'Neal  e-mail

Coach O'Neal graduated from Goodpasture High School in 1997 and from David Lipscomb University in 2002.  Before joining the MTCS faculty in 2009, he was the assistant baseball coach at Goodpasture.  He is assistant football and baseball coach at MTCS and teaches 4th grade PE, Driver's Education, junior high boys Physical Education, and Lifetime Fitness.  He and his wife, Lindy, are the proud parents of a beautiful son, Aidan.  The O'Neal family attends the Donelson Church of Christ.  "There is a great Christian atmosphere here at MTCS.  The students, faculty and the entire staff are all enjoyable to be around."

 

 

Cindy Patton  e-mail

Mrs. Patton graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with both a Bachelors degree and a Masters Degree in Education.  She has been at MTCS since 2002 and teaches 7th grade girls' Bible and 7th and 8th grade Pre-Algebra.  She and her husband Peter have four children, one son-in-law, and one granddaughter. They attend Auburntown church of Christ.  She enjoys painting, acting (at the Arts Center of Cannon County!), and spending time with her family.  She says her favorite thing about MTCS is the opportunity to work with Christians who not only are her colleagues but also her dear friends.  She says she is energized by the students, and loves that her children can have values reinforced at school that are taught at home and church.  She also LOVES the fact that she is now able to teach with her daughter (Mrs. Walters)!!!!!!!!!!!!

David Peden  e-mail

Coach Peden graduated from Brentwood Academy and spent his undergraduate years at Ole Miss, majoring in journalism/PR and minoring in history.  He received his Masters of Business Administration from Ole Miss.  After graduation he coached women's basketball at UT Martin for 2 years and taught at Brentwood Academy for 5 years.  While at Brentwood Academy, he coached football (State Champions 2006) and basketball (boys - 3 years, girls - 2 years - State Champions 2006).  Coach Peden joined the MTCS staff in 2009 as head football coach and teaches BIble, Economics, and Honors World History.  He attends the Donelson Church of Christ.  He says the best thing about being at MTCS is the people.  "There is so much support and willingness to pull together to help in whatever you are doing."

 

 

Jason Piercey  e-mail

Mr. Piercey received his BA degree in History and Political Science in 1997 from Lipscomb University.  He teaches World History and Wellness and coaches our high school boys basketball team.  Before joining the MTCS faculty, he taught for 10 years at Ezell-Harding and Friendship Christian. He and his wife, Ashlee, have two children and attend the Smyrna Church of Christ.  "I feel honored to be a part of the MTCS family."

 

Alex Roberts  e-mail

Coach Roberts received his bachelor’s degree from Harding University in 1994. He was the head coach for 3 years at Ezell-Harding Christian School, defensive line coach for 2 years at Cedartown High School (GA), offensive/defensive line coach for 6 years at Rockmart High School (GA), and defensive line coach for 2 years at Jonesboro High School (GA).  He currently teaches Bible, Junior High Boys PE, and 7th Grade Science at MTCS and is the head baseball coach and assistant football coach.  Coach Roberts and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of 3 sons.  He enjoys golfing, jogging, and reading.

 

 

Matt Russell  e-mail

Mr. Russell received his B.S. degree in health and physical education in 2007 from Lipscomb University.  He teaches Elementary PE, 9th Grade Wellness, 8th Grade Boys Bible, and coaches the junior high basketball team.  He and his wife, Danielle, attend the Antioch Church of Christ.  "It is an honor to be a part of the MTCS family."

 

Tena Starling  e-mail

Mrs. Starling is native of Lincoln County, Kentucky and has lived in the Nashville area for over 30 years.  She attended David Lipscomb High School and college.  She earned a B.S. from DLC and a masters in Educational Administration at TSU.  She taught 6 years in 7th grade English at Ezell-Harding Christian School and 2 years at Creive Hall preschool.  She is currently teaching 7th and 8th grade English and 8th grade Girls Bible.  She and her husband, John, have 4 children, and worship with the Granny White congregation.  "I think it is an exciting time to be a part of MTCS!"

 

 

Jennifer Vice  e-mail

Mrs. Vice received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations from Harding University in 1990.  She added a Master's of Education degree in 1994 from Harding as well.  She has been our Learning Enrichment Coordinator since 1997, working specifically with our gifted and talented kids and our students with special needs.  Prior to joining the staff at MTCS, she taught 2 years in Searcy , AR , and 1 year in Columbia , TN.  Mrs. Vice attends Auburntown Church of Christ with her husband, Mike, and her step-children, Lauren and David.  She says her favorite thing about teaching at MTCS is the freedom to integrate her faith into her teaching.

Emily Walters  e-mail

Mrs. Walters in an MTCS alumnus and graduated from Harding University in 2004. She taught for four years at El Dorado High School in El Dorado, Arkansas before joining the MTCS faculty in August 2009. She and her husband, Scott, have an infant daughter, Daisy, and the Walters family attends church at the Antioch Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the positive environment created by the wonderful faculty, staff, and students.  I feel so blessed to be at MTCS!"

Shannon Watson  e-mail

Mrs. Watson received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harding University in 2005.  She graduated from MTCS in 2002, and currently teaches Jr. High Art, Art I, Art II, Art II, and Studio Art.  Mrs. Watson is also the junior high volleyball coach and a sponsor for the Junior Class and the Fine Arts Club.  Mrs. Watson was able to study abroad in Florence, Italy in 2005 where she saw works from masters such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Da Vinci.  While there, her own art was exhibited in a local gallery. She was also able to travel to Paris, Spain, and throughout Europe to see works of masters.  She has a passion for art and for how a Christian artist can use art to glorify God.  Mrs. Watson and her husband attend the Antioch Church of Christ congregation.  She states that her favorite thing about M.T.C.S. is the sense of family that comes through our bond in Christ.

 

Dan Wilkerson  e-mail

Mr. Dan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish (with a minor in Biology and History) from Samford University and his Master of Arts degree in Administration from Lipscomb University.  He has been at MTCS since 2001, teaches high school Spanish, and coaches our junior and high school girls basketball teams.  He also serves as our Athletic Director and Director of the James C. Haile State Tournament. Before coming to MTCS, he taught English in Guangzhou, China.  He and his beautiful wife, Sarah are the proud parents of a beautiful little boy. They attend the Auburntown Church of Christ, where he serves as Youth Minister.  When asked about MTCS, he replied, "It's all about relationships!"

 

 

 

Marvene Woodruff  e-mail

Mrs. Woodruff received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Business from David Lipscomb University in 1981.  She received her Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership in August of 2008.  She currently teaches 3rd and 5th Grade Computer, Computer Applications, 7th and 8th Grade Keyboarding, Technology Review, and is the Advisor for the Visions Yearbook.  She has been at MTCS since 2000, and has 12 years experience as a Systems Analyst with the Tennessee Farm Bureau and Textron Aerostructures.  She and her husband, Carter, along with their 2 daughters, are active members at the Fosterville Church of Christ, where Mr. Woodruff is the treasurer.  Mr. Woodruff also teaches the teenage Bible class, and Mrs. Woodruff teaches cradle roll.   When speaking of MTCS, she says she loves the Christian environment, singing in chapel, and especially the students.

 

Bonnie Wright  e-mail

Mrs. Wright received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Lipscomb University and holds a Master's degree in Mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University.  She at MTCS since 1987 and teaches Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus at the high school level and is the head of our math department.  She taught Elementary Algebra at MTSU as a graduate assistant, and for the past several years has taught College Algebra at MTSU as an adjunct professor.  She and her family attend Minerva Drive Church of Christ. Her favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian atmosphere.

Photographs courtesy of Tri-Star Photography, Murfreesboro, TN.

 

Middle Tennessee Christian School
100 E. MTCS Road * Murfreesboro, TN  37129 * (615) 893-0601 * (615) 895-8815 fax

 Questions or comments about the web site? Send e-mail to judycoats@mtcscougars.org.