About Us
A Mission Built on Purpose.
Utopian Academy for the Arts exists to develop the academic and artistic talents of students, preparing them to enter and succeed in the global society — tuition-free.
Mission
To develop the academic and artistic talents of students, and prepare them to enter and succeed in the global society.
Vision
Georgia's premier tuition-free K–12 arts-integrated charter school network — where every scholar becomes the architect of their own future.
Values
Creativity. Innovation. Elevation. Excellence. Community. Every value reflected in every classroom, every day, at every campus.
Executive Team
Leadership
Artesius Miller
Chief Executive Officer / Founder
Executive Name
Chief Academic Officer
Executive Name
Chief Operating Officer
Executive Name
Director of Arts Integration
Governance
Board of
Directors
Our board of directors provides strategic governance and oversight to ensure UAFA fulfills its mission for every scholar, at every campus.
The Utopian Academy for the Arts Governance Board is committed to providing children with a high-quality education focused on rigorous academics, the arts, leadership development, and community service. The UAFA Board oversees the operations of the entire charter school network across all four campuses.
The board is comprised of a network of servant leaders who volunteer their time to further the mission of Utopian Academy. Board members are selected through an application process and bring expertise in accounting, arts, education, entrepreneurship, fundraising, human resources, legal services, marketing, nonprofit management, policymaking, and politics.
Joshua Menifee
Area Development Director · UNCF
Board Member Since 2018
Joshua Menifee has served as UAFA Board Chair since 2018. As an Area Development Director at UNCF, he brings deep expertise in educational fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and community investment to the governance of the UAFA network.
Reginald Colbert
Retired Educator · Atlanta Public Schools
Board Member Since 2018
Reginald Colbert is a retired educator from Atlanta Public Schools with decades of experience in K–12 education. His deep understanding of public school systems, student achievement, and educational policy strengthens UAFA's governance.
Terance Madden, Esq.
Partner · T. Madden & Associates
Board Member Since 2020
Terance Madden is a Partner at T. Madden & Associates, bringing legal expertise to the UAFA board. His background in law and organizational governance ensures UAFA operates within all applicable state and federal guidelines.
Steven Garner, CPA
Senior Manager · Deloitte
Board Member Since 2018
Steven Garner is a CPA and Senior Manager at Deloitte who has served as UAFA's volunteer Chief Financial Officer since 2018. His accounting expertise and financial stewardship are critical to the network's long-term sustainability.
Dr. Aquanette Salter
Assistant Principal · DeKalb County Schools
Board Member Since 2024
Dr. Aquanette Salter is an Assistant Principal in DeKalb County Schools. With firsthand experience leading school communities, she brings an educator's perspective to board decisions that directly impact UAFA scholars.
Christopher Copeland
Management Consultant · McKinsey & Company
Board Member Since 2021
Christopher Copeland is a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Company. He contributes strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and organizational expertise to help UAFA achieve its mission at scale.
Gavin McGuire
Executive Director · The Grove Park Foundation
Board Member Since 2022
Gavin McGuire serves as Executive Director of The Grove Park Foundation. His nonprofit leadership experience and deep roots in community development bring a valuable perspective to UAFA's governance and community engagement strategy.
Stephany Walls
Retired · Atlanta Public Schools
Board Member Since 2021
Stephany Walls is a retired professional from Atlanta Public Schools. Her years of service in public education provide the UAFA board with essential insight into the needs of students and families in the communities UAFA serves.
Transparency & Governance
Board Meetings & Minutes
UAFA board meetings are open to the public and held at 6:00 PM at 2750 Forest Parkway, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Agendas and minutes are published publicly after board approval.