Nathanael Jenkins
Pendleton,IN
Summary
Educational leader and Denison University alumnus with extensive experience cultivating relationships, communicating institutional mission, and guiding families through significant educational decisions. As Assistant Dean at The Classical Academy, I direct school-wide admissions and enrollment, serve on the senior leadership team, and represent the school through public speaking, family engagement, and strategic leadership. Passionate about the enduring value of the liberal arts and helping mission-driven institutions build communities that change lives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Dean of the Upper School
The Classical Academy
Indianapolis, IN
08.2023 - Current
- Serve on the senior leadership team, contributing to institutional strategy, accreditation, and organizational leadership.
- Directed school-wide admissions and enrollment, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Cultivated lasting relationships with prospective and current families through admissions processes, parent meetings, transition events, and ongoing communication, enhancing community engagement.
- Designed and oversee the House System, strengthening student leadership, mentorship, and school culture.
- Conceived and directed the school's inaugural House Regatta.
- Presented regularly at chapel and community events to engage with the audience.
- Teach Upper School history through Socratic discussion.
Owner and Instructor
Nathanael Jenkins Music
Pendleton, IN
04.2023 - Current
- Founded and grew a private music studio from 1 student to 30 in under two years, with a current waitlist of 20. Manage all business operations independently, including enrollment, scheduling, billing, and curriculum. Sustain a full roster and demonstrated demand through referral and reputation, with no paid advertising.
Choral Director
Fort Wayne Community Schools
01.2021 - 08.2023
- Rebuilt performing arts programs to enhance student engagement, founded Gospel Choirs to foster community involvement, revived theatre to provide performance opportunities, and developed district's first music technology curriculum to modernize music education.
- Conducted rehearsals to prepare students for performances and competitions.
- Developed lesson plans that aligned with curriculum standards and student needs.
- Coordinated music selections for concerts, ensuring diversity and engagement.
Building Services Assistant
Denison University
12.2015 - 07.2020
- Balanced full-time work while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts as a nontraditional student, achieving cum laude distinction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of campus facilities and common areas.
- Assisted with setup and breakdown of events in university spaces.
- Performed routine inspections of building systems for safety compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music (Composition)
Denison University
Granville05-2020
Skills
- relationship building
- community engagement
- parent communication
- organizational leadership
- student mentorship
- academic administration
- event planning
Selected Leadership Impact
- Direct school-wide admissions and enrollment for The Classical Academy.
- Personally manage nearly 600 admissions communications annually with prospective families.
- Guide prospective families through the admissions process, with approximately 70% of interviewed families ultimately choosing to enroll.
- Partner with school leadership to present at monthly information meetings for prospective families, communicating the school's mission and educational philosophy.
- Contributed to a 50% increase in average attendance at monthly information meetings during my tenure.
- Represent the school at recruitment fairs, campus visits, open houses, and community events.
- Helped lead a successful first-time accreditation visit with zero discrepancies from the Association of Classical Christian Schools.
- Designed and launched the school's House System, strengthening student leadership, mentorship, and school culture.
Professional Development
- Head of School Training Cohort, Society for Classical Learning, 2022-2024
- School Culture Cohort, Society for Classical Learning, Spring 2026
- Socratic Teaching Cohort, Society for Classical Learning, Fall 2025
WRITING
Contributing Sports Writer, Press Pros Magazine (2013–2018). Five years of published feature and game coverage on deadline, working alongside veteran sportswriter Hal McCoy.
Timeline
Assistant Dean of the Upper School
The Classical Academy
08.2023 - Current
Owner and Instructor
Nathanael Jenkins Music
04.2023 - Current
Choral Director
Fort Wayne Community Schools
01.2021 - 08.2023
Building Services Assistant
Denison University
12.2015 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Music (Composition)
Denison University