Bradenton, Fla. – Visible Men Academy (VMA), founded in 2012 to provide boys with outstanding academic, character, and social education in a nurturing school environment, announced today the appointment of Janjay Gehndyu, Ed. D, as principal.
Gehndyu earned a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University and brings 14 years of experience as science teacher and educational leader to the position. He served most recently as the Science Department Chair at the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences. Prior to his time in Sarasota County, he taught biology and chemistry in the Manatee County School System, serving at Braden River High School. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor, Southeastern University School of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership. He is expected to bring a renewed emphasis on a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum for VMA’s students.
His appointment was announced today to the school’s students, faculty, and staff by VMA CEO A. Louis Parker.
“We are thrilled to announce today the hiring of Janjay as our new principal,” said Parker. “He brings a wealth of science classroom experience to Visible Men Academy and his leadership style is second to none. VMA is refocusing on reading and STEAM, and we know that through Dr. Gehndyu’s leadership and our partnership with FUNducation, our students will develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”
In addition to his work in the classroom and as an educational leader, Gehndyu has been active in the community. He founded the Academic Empowerment Agency, focused on providing a hand up for students in underserved communities. He also volunteers as a tutor at the Sarasota Housing Authority, serves as a volunteer reading coach, and teaches computer programming at the Selby Library.