Meet Our Staff — Garfield Scholars' Academy

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. Kennon has over 35 years of experience in teaching, curriculum design and development, strategic leadership training, and mentoring, in a variety of venues. She has worked for Fortune 500 companies as well as the Arkansas Department of Education and three Arkansas universities to design, coordinate, and implement curriculum and professional leadership development programs. Melanie holds a B.A. in Psychology from Rhodes College, an MEd from University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and an EdD in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from University of Memphis. Dr. Kennon is President of Kennon & Associates Consulting, LLC, a people development company that specializes in education, human resources, and customized training and development services.

Melanie has 6 children and 12 precious grandchildren who call her “Nonna”. In her spare time, she teaches women’s bible studies, gardens, and loves to read and cook. Dr. Kennon is honored to be Co-Founder and CEO of Garfield Scholars’ Academy.

Melanie Kennon
CEO School Board Director
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Will Neighbors
Board Member
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As a devoted husband and father of three, his days are incredibly active. Born and raised on a Kansas farm and ranch helped him develop his work-ethic, persistence, and creative problem-solving skills. After graduating from Pittsburg State University in the construction management and business administration fields, he worked as a project manager in the construction industry. Entrepreneurial at heart, he’s an owner and managing partner of multiple local small businesses. His passions include economics and investing, and his hobbies include most outdoor activities like biking, camping, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Joy Sawyer
Board Member
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Maureen Brogdon
Board Member
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Maureen was an educator for 37 years before retiring. She taught students who struggled academically. In her spare time, she enjoys music, art and spending time with family.

Jenny Setzer
Board Member
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Jenny Setzer is a lifelong citizen of the Avoca/Garfield area. She and her husband are licensed architects and have built their own house on Beaver Lake where they are raising their 2 children. In their free time, the Setzer's enjoy many water activities including water skiing, kayaking, & hiking to waterfalls where Jenny is frequently testing various settings on her camera. Their favorite vacation spot is the beach or any coral reef. Jenny's hobbies include making clothes for her & her children, beading jewelry, and gardening. Jenny is an officer in the PTA and an active member at First Baptist Church Garfield.

STAFF/FACULTY

Cheryl Harrison
Director
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Mrs. Harrison has been an educator for 25 years beginning as a fifth-grade classroom teacher in 1999. She has worn many hats over the years working in three schools: Happy Hollow Elementary School in Fayetteville, Monitor Elementary and Elmdale Elementary in Springdale as an instructional facilitator. She considers herself the luckiest principal around with the great fortune of getting to help create and lead a school for the students of the community of Garfield and other amazing surrounding towns!