About Us

Dr. Kirk Renegar

Dr. Renegar is proud to serve in his role as the Executive Principal of Hardin Valley Academy.  Dr. Renegar returned to lead HVA in 2024, where he started his teaching career as an “Original Hawk” in 2008.  After spending 5 years at HVA as a social studies teacher and the first baseball coach in Hardin Valley Academy’s history, Renegar entered school administration at his alma mater Patrick County High School as assistant principal and athletic director from 2013-2015.  Dr. Renegar then moved to his first principalship at Hardin Reynolds Memorial School from 2015-2018.  He then returned to East Tennessee to serve as the Principal at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge, where he served from 2018-2022.  Dr. Renegar was named Oak Ridge Schools Principal of the Year in 2021.  After working at Tennessee Wesleyan University as Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research in 2022-2023, Dr. Renegar returned to Knox County Schools as an Assistant Principal at Central High School in 2023 prior to returning to HVA. 

Dr. Renegar holds his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University (2018).  He holds an Educational Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial University (2012) and Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Shenandoah University (2006).  Dr. Renegar graduated with his Bachelors degree in Modern American History from Brevard College (2005).  

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Dr. Josh Tipton, Curriculum Principal

Dr. Tipton has served as an educator for over 20 years. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University in 2017. He also holds a B.A. in History from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an M.A. in Military History from Norwich University (VT), and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration & Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University

Dr. Tipton began his career as a middle and high school social studies in Anderson County prior to entering school administration at Clinton High School in 2013. During his time in Anderson County he also coached middle school basketball and high school golf. He has also served students in Oak Ridge as Vice Principal of Jefferson Middle School. Additionally, Dr. Tipton has served as a professor at Middle Tennesse State University, Lincoln Memorial University, and, most recently, Tennessee Wesleyan University. Dr. Tipton enjoys spending time with family, playing music, and running. 

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Mr. Jeremy Lorenz, Freshman Principal

Jeremy Lorenz is the proud Freshman Principal of Hardin Valley Academy, bringing over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and community engagement. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, he has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive, safe, and innovative learning environments.

Mr. Lorenz began his educational journey as a teacher, later serving in various leadership roles including Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Executive Principal, before becoming the Freshman Principal at Hardin Valley Academy in 2024.

He holds a Bachelor in Elementary Education and a Masters and Ed.S in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University and is passionate about empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential. With the help of his leadership, the school has seen improvements in academic performance, extracurricular participation and school culture, and a renewed focus on community engagement.

Mr. Lorenz has been married to his wife, Emily, for 24 years, and together they have three children - Tucker, Irene, and Rylee Kate. Outside of school, he enjoys watching his children play sports, playing guitar, and vacationing with his family. 

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Mr. Brad Collette, Business and Law Principal

Brad Collette is an educational leader with over 10 years of experience in school administration. Before moving into leadership, he spent 13 years teaching Business and Technology classes and coaching baseball, experiences that strengthened his passion for student growth and team development. He earned a Master’s in Instructional Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Education from Lincoln Memorial University, where he also played college baseball. In 2026, he received his Superintendent Ed.S from the University of the Cumberlands, further advancing his commitment to educational leadership and district-level impact.

Outside of his professional work, he enjoys golfing, attending sporting events, and cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Cubs.

Email: brad.collette@knoxschools.org

Ms. Tia Shack, Health Science Principal

Tia Shack earned a B.S. in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee, followed by a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Special Education from Carson-Newman University. Ms. Shack later completed an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership at Lincoln Memorial University. She has served as a department chair for special education and brings both experience and passion to her work with students. Outside of school, Ms. Shack enjoys indoor cycling, reading, and practicing yoga.

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Ms. August Bomely, Liberal Arts Principal

A Knoxville native and graduate of Knox County Schools, August Bomely earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Tennessee. She began her career as a seasonal interpretive ranger at Big Ridge State Park and Zion National Park, and later led a fire education team in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Returning to Tennessee, Ms. Bomely completed her M.S. in Teacher Education and joined Knox County Schools in 2005. For 15 years, she taught 7th and 8th grade science at Halls and Holston Middle Schools, also serving as a TAP Mentor. During this time, she expanded her leadership as a Science Literacy Coach, Science Standards Facilitator for the Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Educator Fellow with SCORE, and curriculum writer for Gear Up 4 STEM and the state’s 7th and 8th grade science standards.

In 2018, Ms. Bomely completed the Administrator Licensure Program at Carson-Newman University and went on to serve as an administrator at West High School, South-Doyle Middle School and currently Hardin Valley Academy.

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Ms. Lauren White, STEM Principal

Ms. White earned her B.A. in Anthropology and M.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and later completed her Educational Leadership License at Carson-Newman University. Outside of her work in education, she is a dedicated sports fan who enjoys crime shows and spending time with her two dogs.

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Ms. Ashli Beeler, 865 Academy Coach

Ashli Beeler brings a strong background in education and student support to her role. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Franklin College, followed by an M.S. in School Counseling from the University of Tennessee. To further her leadership in education, she completed an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision at Lincoln Memorial University.

Throughout her career, Ms. Beeler has been recognized for her commitment to students and colleagues alike. She previously served as department chair for school counseling and was honored as the Smoky Mountain Counselor of the Year. Her work reflects a dedication to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, while also supporting the professional development of her peers.

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Mr. Brian Wyatt, Athletic Director

With a strong foundation in education and leadership, Mr. Wyatt has built a career dedicated to advancing student success and strengthening school communities. He holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration and a Master’s degree in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Athens State University. This combination of advanced study and broad academic grounding has shaped his expertise in instructional practice, curriculum development, and organizational leadership. Over the course of his career, he has taught at six high schools across three states, gaining diverse classroom experience and a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s educators.

Currently serving as Athletic Director, Mr. Wyatt combines his administrative training with a passion for student growth both inside and outside the classroom. His leadership emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and holistic development, while his background in educational theory and administration informs his strategic approach to school programs. With a record of adaptability and a commitment to equity and excellence, he continues to prepare students, teachers, and athletic programs to thrive in dynamic and diverse environments.

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