MMA Academic Division Celebrates Year of Growth, Achievement and Innovation, 2025-26

Feature image: English instructor Sam Wells interacts with cadets during a screen-free instruction day.

As the 2025-26 academic year comes to a close, Missouri Military Academy is reflecting on a year of progress across its Academic Division. Guided by the Academy’s core value of academic excellence, faculty and staff enhanced the learning experience through curriculum improvements, innovative classroom initiatives and a focus on accountability. These efforts have strengthened cadet engagement while developing the knowledge, discipline and critical-thinking skills essential for success in college and beyond. 

"We have seen meaningful growth in our academic program under the leadership of Dean Clement, the academic leadership team, and our department chairs," said MMA President Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). "The results clearly demonstrate our teachers' commitment and that they truly care. Without a doubt, we have an exceptional faculty, and this year's accomplishments reflect that."

Scroll down for a list of initiatives and achievements.

• More teachers achieving ACT certification and stronger integration of ACT preparation into instruction;
• Significant progress in STEM education and cyber programs, including cadets placing first in state competitions and third nationally;
• Continued cadet engagement through our outstanding visual arts program, highlighted by the Epple Art Show;

Science instructor Eric Evertson guides Missouri Military Academy cadets through a hands-on physics lab at the campus climbing wall.

• Growth and improved performance in our band and choir programs, demonstrated through excellent results at the 2026 National Military School Band and Choir Festival and outstanding Maroon & Gold performances;
• Continued strength in business education and consistent representation at state FBLA competition;
• Impressive speaking performances by cadets in the Wallace Fry Speech Competition and Evensong;

Business instructor and FBLA advisor Peggy Reynard speaks with Cadets Obregon ’27 and Jokier ’28 during entrepreneurship class. The cadets participated in an online discussion with MMA alumnus Jack Stalnaker ’22 about his business path since graduating from MMA.

• Strong results on our JROTC program assessment;
• National recognition for our high school academic team, which placed second in the 2025 AMCSUS competition;
• The successful pilot of capstone portfolios for our middle school cadets (read 8th-grader Cadet Santiago Maes's reflection on his first-year at MMA, one of the assignments in his capstone portfolio);

JROTC Army Instructors CPT Joe Balvanz, USA (Ret), and 1SG Christopher Scarlet, USA (Ret), guide cadets during the 2026 JPA Inspection. Through the inspection, the corps earned continued designation as an Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest recognition awarded to JROTC programs.

• Increased emphasis on writing skills and creativity in the classroom, recognized through the VFW Patriot’s Pen Award and showcased through cadet work at the Maroon & Gold Showcase;
• New opportunities for cadet engagement through Presser Performing Arts classes, such as martial arts and culinary arts classes;

Cadet Carter Cole practices with the instructor during martial arts class at Presser Performing Arts.

• Expanded opportunities for cadets through dual credit eligibility and academic achievement at William Woods University and Westminster College.

Cadets eligible for the College Triumph dual-credit program met with William Woods University Associate Professor and Chair of Doctoral Studies and EdD Programs Dr. Frank Giuseffi at the start of the spring 2026 semester. Cadets also met with Westminster College President Don Lofe to discuss their opportunities.