Pinnacle Classical Academy welcomes three new members to board
Pinnacle Classical Academy recently welcomed three new members to its board of directors.
Mark Griffin, the parent liaison on the board, is a manufacturing supervisor at Curtiss-Wright, where he leads production operations and is committed to developing high-performing teams, improving manufacturing processes, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Beginning his career in aerospace manufacturing as a machinist, Mark has advanced through leadership roles by combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to operational excellence and employee development. Mark also serves as the tournament chair on the Board of Directors for the Greater Cleveland County Soccer Association, where he helps organize youth athletic events that promote teamwork, character, and community engagement.
Dr. Anthony Negbenebor serves as the Assistant Vice President for Business Development and Partnerships at Gardner-Webb University, where he is also a Professor of Economics and International Business. As Dean Emeritus and holder of the Dover Chair of Business in the Godbold College of Business, Dr. Negbenebor has dedicated his career to fostering student success and preparing graduates for leadership roles in the global economy.
Dr. Shelly Shope, Pinnacle Classical Academy's recently retired CEO, brings over 27 years of dedicated service and executive leadership in education to the Board of Directors. Dr. Shope earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) and a Master of School Administration (MSA) from Gardner-Webb University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. .
Dr. Shope led Pinnacle Classical Academy from 2019 to 2026 and oversaw growth in enrollment from 987 students to nearly 1,200. Under her leadership, the school graduated its first 262 alumni, who were offered a total of $33,464,710 in multi-year academic merit and athletic scholarships. Dr. Shope also oversaw the expansion and official dedication of the grade 4-12 campus, as well as the payoff of the $1.1-million loan that funded the construction of the school's K-3 campus. She serves on the North Carolina Charter Schools Review Board (CSRB) and the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools Board of Directors, working closely with school leaders and policymakers to foster quality educational opportunities for charter school students across the state.
"We are proud to welcome each of our new board members and appreciate their dedication to the success of our students," said Sen. Debbie Clary, chair of the board of directors. "U.S. News & World Report recognizes Pinnacle as one of the best elementary schools, best middle schools, and best high schools in America.”
Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Acade