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Head of Schools

Douglas Bird CMA ‘90, Ed.D., is the fourteenth Head of Schools for Culver Academies. Bird previously served as Director of the Culver Summer Schools & Camps, where he oversaw the planning and operation of the Upper Schools - Naval, Horsemanship, Girls and Aviation - Woodcraft Camp and Junior Woodcraft Camp, including 1,400 campers and 450 staff members.

Bird graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1990, where he was a member of Battery A. As a member of Battery A, Bird rose through the ranks to serve as Artillery Battalion Commander - the same position held by his father, Roger ’69 - and also had a rotation as the Regimental Commander in his first-class year. Bird graduated a member of Culver’s Academic Cum Laude Society.

Doug joined Culver in the summer of 2017 after serving as the principal of Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, which enrolls approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12. Prior to his four years at Center Grove, he served as the Assistant Principal of Operations (2008-2013) and Student Services (2007-2008) at Carmel High School (enrollment 5,000). Before becoming an administrator, Doug taught algebra, geometry, and math at Carmel High School and Northview Middle School. 

A 1994 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Doug served in the United States Marine Corps until 2001, attaining the rank of captain. He received his Master’s Degree in 2002, his Specialist in Education in 2010, and his Doctorate in 2017 from Ball State University.

He and his wife, Cheryl Wilkins Bird (CGA ’90), have three children, Jacob '20, Brighton '23, and Parker W'24.

Dr. Douglas Bird '90
Head of Schools

Amy Davis-Johnson
Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools

 

 

Senior Leadership Team

Brian Baker
Chief Financial Officer

Kevin Cox
Director of Athletics

Shellie Hicks
Chief Human Resources Officer

 

Jason Petrovich
Chief Advancement Officer

Steve Pietraszek
Director of Enrollment

Josh Pretzer
Dean of Faculty

 

 

Andy Seddelmeyer
Deputy Head of Schools

Michael Squires
Commandant of Cadets

Caren Standfast
Dean of Girls

Providing Opportunity

Culver students have access to a cutting-edge academic program and unparalleled opportunities outside of the classroom.

At Culver, both athletics and the arts are integral — the majority of students play at least one sport and take courses in the Fine Arts that extend beyond basic requirements. Students can explore a variety of religious programs, volunteer in service to the community, and participate in more than 60 clubs and activities.

Educating the Whole Person

Culver provides the best whole-person education in the country. It is one of the only schools nationwide to offer an intentional and differentiated leadership program for its young men and women, and it provides an exciting combination of tradition and innovation in its programs and governing philosophy.

Establishing a Foundation for Success

When leading educators discuss the attributes a person needs for success in today’s complicated and challenging world, they describe the qualities taught at Culver: the importance of acting as a role model, strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and a healthy emphasis on integrity. Culver has been educating young people for more than a century, and our alumni proudly prove the success of our approach.

I invite you to learn more about our mission and vision, academic programs and life at Culver. It is my sincere hope that you will get to know this school and determine if Culver is the right place for you, as it has been for so many generations of young people.

More On Culver

Culver Military Academy

Since its founding in 1894, Culver Military Academy (CMA) has prepared young men for lives of purpose and impact. CMA graduates join a prestigious heritage that includes entrepreneurs and artists, scientists and scholars, and military and political leaders.

Culver Girls Academy

Culver Girls Academy (CGA) welcomed its first students in 1971. Since then, it has graduated hundreds of empowered and enlightened scholars, innovators, and executives, who have gone on to successful careers and positions all over the world.

Summer Schools & Camps

Founded in 1902, Culver Summer Schools and Camps is a high challenge-high support environment for learning leadership skills that improve personal confidence and develop positive self-esteem through accomplishment and self discipline.