Biography

Michael “Dr. Mike” Lovorn has served as NCA’s Headmaster and Executive Director since early 2023. He earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee in 2003, following a decade of teaching middle and high school history, government, and other social studies courses. In 2004, he transitioned to the university full-time and taught at various R1 and T1 institutions across the U.S. Since 2015, he has also held various administrative roles, including department head, principal, assistant dean, dean, and now headmaster.

A well-published researcher and grant writer, Dr. Mike’s areas of expertise include historiographical analysis, international education, and the use of humor in the classroom. Notably, he has also lived and worked abroad, teaching on-site graduate education courses in over 30 international schools across five continents.

Dr. Mike describes education as “a life-long and highly engaged process of acquiring and imparting knowledge, fostering independent reasoning skills, and developing the ability to make informed decisions for the public good.” With this goal in mind, Dr. Mike regularly reminds faculty and staff that, in addition to facilitating our students’ academic development, we have an intrinsic responsibility to guide their emergence as upstanding, values-driven individuals who demonstrate tenacity, respect, and grit, and who understand and defend democratic principles.

At NCA, we live, learn, and lead together!

Dr. Mike may be reached via email at mlovorn@northcedar.net, or by phone at 715-415-9955.

Education

Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (University of Tennessee, Knoxville); M.A. in Social Studies Education (University of Tennessee, Knoxville); B.A. in History & Political Science (Carson-Newman College); principal licensure in PA & WI; teacher licensure in TN, GA & WI.

What I Enjoy Most About Working at NCA

NCA is a thriving meritocracy wherein students respect their teachers and mentors, study responsibly and diligently, and achieve great things through hard work. Our students commit to bettering the world and themselves, and I enjoy seeing them rewarded, oftentimes with national notoriety and acceptance to exceptional universities, for these commitments.

Fun Fact/Hobbies

When not at NCA, I enjoy spending time with my granddaughter Catherine; watching movies from the 1940s and 50s; and reading, reading, reading!

Favorite Quote

“Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” — Booker T. Washington

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