Mount Paran Christian School conducted an extensive search for the arts leadership role.
JULY 16, 2025, KENNESAW, Ga. – We are pleased to announce that MPCS has selected Eric
Willoughby to serve as the Director of Arts beginning July 1, 2025. The search committee chose
Mr. Willoughby at the conclusion of an extensive national search that included talented and
experienced administrators from K-12, collegiate, and professional arts programs across the
country. He replaces Cary Brague who retired in June after holding the position for 15 years.
Mr. Willoughby previously served as the Assistant Band Director at Lost Mountain Middle
School. He then served as the Director of Bands at Wheeler High School, Peachtree Ridge High
School, and Woodland High School where he also served as the Fine Arts Department Chair,
AP Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Since 2023, Mr. Willoughby has worked for the Georgia
Department of Education’s Educator Support and the Development Division, providing
leadership development and instructional support for schools statewide.
Mr. Willoughby earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at the University of Georgia, and
his Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has
served extensively in church ministry and won numerous teaching awards during his illustrious
30-year career. He brings a wealth of education and experience to MPCS, but most importantly,
he believes passionately in the school’s mission to provide academic excellence in a
Christ-centered environment. He and his wife Rebecca have been married for 32 years and
have three children.
He shares, “I am deeply grateful for the Lord’s guidance in opening the door to this new
opportunity. As I step into leadership of the arts at MPCS, I do so with a passion for creativity,
innovation, and a commitment to Christ-centered excellence. Guided by the truth of Philippians
3:14, the principle of ‘Ever Onward and Upward’ reflects my desire to press forward with vision,
perseverance, and faith. I’m honored to join this community and look forward to what God will
do in and through the arts.”
About:
Mount Paran Christian School, the largest private Christian school in Cobb County, is a
non-denominational, college-preparatory independent school for students in preschool age three
through grade 12. MPCS is committed to elevated excellence in academics, award-winning arts,
and championship athletics, all within a covenantal-Christian environment with small class sizes.
Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/Cognia) and located near Kennesaw Mountain on
a 68-acre college-like campus. Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment,
MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk
in Truth.
