Jarrard named RMA commandant

GAINESVILLE - Major Kevin Jarrard has been named commandant at Riverside Military Academy (RMA)... one of three new appointments at the school.

A native of Gainesville, Maj. Jarrard has been employed at Riverside since 2001 as a faculty member teaching various classes and serving in various advisory positions. In addition, Jarrard currently commands Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. He has served overseas on several occasions... including tours from Asia and Europe to Africa and the Middle East, including two tours of duty in Iraq.

Maj. Jarrard is well-known for two separate humanitarian actions... rallying his Marines and friends in the U.S. to sponsor trips to the U.S. for two sick Iraqi children. These children received medical care in Nashville, Tenn. and Charleston, S.C. with transportation and living expenses provided by the many Marine donors and friends of Jarrard's.

In November 2008, The Citadel Alumni Association honored Major Jarrard, Class of '95 as one of five graduates of the Military College of South Carolina as Citadel Young Alumnus of the Year. Jarrard and his wife Kelly live in Gainesville with their four children. He began his new role at Riverside August 3.

VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Andy Jobson has been appointed vice president and dean for academic affairs. Jobson began working at Riverside Military Academy in 1995 as a teacher and department chair of both English and Social Studies. He has coached the academic team and the drama club and has served as an advisor to the senior class and to the Horton Society.

He was an AP Reader for both the English Literature and US History exams and was chosen as a STAR teacher in 2002. He has also served as a faculty consultant to izzit.org, an educational organization specializing in free market principles. He has served as an assistant administrator for two years, from 2002-2003 and from 2008-2009.

Graduating as valedictorian of his high school class and a National Merit Scholar, he attended Tulane University on a full scholarship. There he received the Montgomery History Prize (highest academic average in his major) and graduated magna cum laude in 1990. Mr. Jobson received his Masters degree from the University of Georgia along with his L-5 Leadership Certificate.

When not working, Mr. Jobson stays busy with his wife Elizabeth and family of five children. He is an ordained elder at his church (Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian). An Eagle Scout, Jobson has volunteered with local Cub Scout and Boy Scout groups as well.


VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Amanda Griffin has been appointed to vice president for advancement. Most recently, Griffin served as senior vice president at the J.F. Smith Group in Auburn, Alabama. She brings to Riverside experience in directing capital campaigns and gifting strategies along with feasibility studies for private schools, universities and non-profits.

In 2005, she earned her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction. In addition, Griffin is a writer and publicist for numerous newspapers and festivals in Louisiana. She was a syndicated columnist for the New York Times News service for two years with an award-winning column, Family Affairs. In 2005, she co-wrote with Jerry F. Smith, Cultivating and Sustaining an Annual Fund in Your Christian School. A graduate of Auburn University, Griffin will be relocating from New Orleans to Gainesville and will begin work at Riverside on August 10.