On April 8, 2025, CHCA announced that Dr. Terrez Thomas has been selected as the school’s new Upper School 9–12 Principal.

With nearly 20 years in education, Dr. Thomas’ breadth of experience spans elementary school, middle school, high school, and university in public and private, domestic and international sectors. He has served as a paraprofessional, teacher, assistant principal, and principal in addition to inspiring the next generation of educational leaders as an adjunct professor for the master’s level Educational Policy and Evaluation course at Xavier University.

Dr. Thomas joins CHCA after serving as Principal at Mt. Healthy South Elementary in Mount Healthy, OH. In his new position, he will lead students and faculty at the Martha S. Lindner Campus. His professional and personal passions make him well equipped to take the campus to the next level.

“Educational excellence in a 21st-century Christian school goes beyond strong academic achievement; it involves developing students holistically—intellectually, spiritually, and socially,” said Dr. Thomas. “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a school that not only pursues academic excellence but also intentionally shapes students to fulfill their God-given purpose.”

The decision to select Dr. Thomas as the new Upper School 9–12 Principal was made following a thorough, months-long nationwide search process. Multiple interviews with key community stakeholders proved Dr. Thomas to be the ideal person to lead CHCA into the future.

“Dr. Thomas is not only an exceptional educator and academic leader who loves coaching teachers and inspiring students, but, most importantly, he believes in CHCA’s mission and will confidently—and faithfully—step into his role,” said Dean Nicholas, Head of School.

Those involved in the search process agree.

“Dr. Terrez Thomas is a proven leader,” said Jon Eckert, CHCA Board and Search Committee Member. “His work is animated by his faith in Christ—just listen to how he talks about students, his family, his teaching at Xavier University, and the opportunities at CHCA. Dr. Thomas will be a great addition to a talented leadership team and flourishing school that is a model for other schools across the U.S.”

“As a member of the search committee, I am excited to welcome Dr. Terrez Thomas as the new principal of our school,” said Michelle Walker-Glenn, CHCA Board and Search Committee Member. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear that Dr. Thomas possesses exceptional qualifications as an instructional leader. He's taught high school math, served as a building principal, and also teaches at Xavier. Just as importantly, Dr. Thomas demonstrated a sincere and steadfast Christian faith. What stood out most, however, was his deep desire to create meaningful opportunities for student learning in the classroom! I am confident that Dr. Thomas' leadership will have a lasting and positive impact on our students, faculty, and entire CHCA community.”

“Our search for a high school principal was both wide-ranging and prayerfully guided. We cast a broad net and had applicants from all corners of the country—and also used a search firm to broaden and validate our search,” said Jon Snyder ’98, CHCA Board and Search Committee Member and alum. “We were fortunate to have many great candidates and, ultimately, several finalists who were all more than capable of excelling in this role. In the end, we unanimously recognized in Dr. Thomas the qualities we believe are essential to leading our students and faculty: wisdom, humility, strength of character, a heart for families, and—most of all—a deep love for the Lord.”

Thomas will assume the role as Principal beginning in the 2025–26 school year.