Discover Music City Academy
In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these means, man can attain perfection. – Plato
Team
Over Self
Every student is part of a team led by a dedicated coach who knows them well, challenges them, and celebrates their growth. This daily structure creates belonging, accountability, and collective success.
Passion
to Purpose
Students connect their interests to high-demand career pathways in health, sports, and entertainment. Through hands-on learning, internships, and credentialing, graduates earn both a diploma and industry-recognized certifications.
Wellness For
Life
Movement and wellness are built into the academic day: daily physical activity, structured wellness practices, and embedded mental-health supports. All students begin the day with movement, so MCA graduates leave ready to lead with confidence, strength, and balance.
Our Vision
At Music City Academy (MCA), students reach their fullest potential when their minds, bodies, and character are strengthened together. Academics and athletics aren’t separate worlds — they work hand-in-hand to build discipline, resilience, and belonging.​
​
This vision comes to life through three core plays. At MCA we believe in:
​
-
Team Over Self: Every student is part of a team led by a dedicated coach who knows them well, challenges them, and celebrates their growth. This daily structure creates belonging, accountability, and collective success.
-
Passion to Purpose: Students connect their interests to high-demand career pathways in health, sports, and entertainment. Through hands-on learning, internships, and credentialing, graduates earn both a diploma and industry-recognized certifications.
-
Wellness for Life: Movement and wellness are built into the academic day: daily physical activity, structured wellness practices, and embedded mental-health supports. All students begin the day with movement, so MCA graduates leave ready to lead with confidence, strength, and balance.
Our Pathways
At MCA, students connect their passions to high-demand careers in Nashville’s fastest-growing industries. Every graduate leaves with both a diploma and industry-recognized credentials.
01
Sports Medicine & Health Science
Train for careers in sports medicine, fitness, and athletic training while learning how the body performs at its best.
02
Emergency Services
Gain hands-on skills for first response, public safety, and emergency medical careers that keep communities safe.
03
Therapeutic Services
Explore careers in physical therapy, nursing, and other health fields focused on healing and helping others thrive.
04
Audio/Visual Production
Learn the creative and technical sides of media, from filming and editing to sound production and live event support.
Our Team
Playbook. Fuel. Spirit
At Music City Academy, our team is united by a shared belief in the power of sports, wellness, and purpose-driven education. We bring together diverse expertise in teaching, coaching, and mentoring to create an environment where students thrive. Guided by the values of teamwork, discipline, and holistic growth, our educators and staff work side by side to prepare every student for success—building confidence, resilience, and readiness for both college and career.
Founder
Kevin Dyson
Kevin Dyson was a first-round NFL Draft pick (16th overall) who played six seasons in the NFL before injuries cut his career short. He is remembered for his role in two of the most iconic plays in league history—the Music City Miracle and One Yard Short—and, alongside his brother Andre, holds two NFL records as teammates with the Tennessee Titans. Following his football career, Kevin turned to education, earning two master’s degrees and a Doctorate of Education. Over his 19 years in the field, he has spent 12 in secondary administration, guiding students with the same discipline, leadership, and resilience that defined his athletic career. Today, Kevin continues inspiring future leaders both inside and outside the classroom. He remains deeply committed to helping young people discover their potential and pursue purposeful futures.
Our Board Members
Board Member
Russell McBryde
Russell McBryde is the Senior Vice President of Project Management for George Shinn Companies, where he helps drive strategic growth across healthcare, business, and philanthropic ventures. With over 26 years of executive experience, he brings deep expertise in operations, business development, and market expansion.
He previously served as CEO of Longevity Health Centers and is a Partner and Board Member at Suriance. Russell’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to faith, family, and service.
.png)
Board President
Ken Thomas
Ken Thomas is the Chairman and CEO of Archangel Protective Services, which he has grown into a multi-state enterprise serving clients across 15 states. He brings extensive experience in strategic planning, operations, and organizational leadership.
Previously, Ken held senior leadership roles in alternative education, overseeing multi-state programs focused on student safety and support. He is also a retired Command Master Chief in the United States Navy and holds a Master of Education.
​
.png)
Board Treasurer
Jim Maddux
Jim Maddux is a seasoned Financial Advisor with over 20 years of experience in wealth management, financial planning, and investment strategy. He specializes in helping clients build, preserve, and transfer wealth with a strong focus on tax efficiency.
With a background in collegiate athletic coaching, Jim brings a strategic and disciplined approach to financial planning. He supports Music City Academy with strong financial oversight and long-term planning.
.jpeg)
Board Secretary
Crystal Cole
Crystal Cole is the Owner of CRC Legal Group, a Nashville-based law firm she founded in 2015. Her practice focuses on consumer and commercial debt collection, as well as landlord-tenant matters and creditor representation in bankruptcy.
She brings nearly two decades of legal experience and is licensed to practice in Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.
​
.jpeg)
Board Member
Rawle Andrews
Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. is the Executive Director of the APA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Psychiatric Association. He previously spent over 15 years at AARP, including serving as a Vice President, and earlier practiced business law and litigation for 16 years.
A nationally recognized leader, Rawle has served on numerous boards and commissions and is a past president of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. He holds a J.D. from Howard University School of Law and a B.A. in Psychology from Texas Southern University.
.png)
Board Member
Adolfo Birch III
Adolfo Birch III is the Chief External & League Affairs Officer for the Tennessee Titans, where he leads league and legal affairs, government relations, and community impact. He has played a key role in expanding the organization’s community engagement and major development initiatives in Nashville.
Prior to the Titans, Adolfo spent over two decades with the NFL in senior leadership roles. A Nashville native, he holds degrees from Harvard University and Vanderbilt Law School.
​
.png)
Board Member
Leigh Ann Danzey-Bussell
Leigh Ann Danzey-Bussell is a Professor of Sport Management with over 27 years of experience across collegiate athletics, sport organizations, and nonprofits. Her work spans NCAA programs, sport communications, and leadership in sport management education.
She is actively involved in national and local organizations and has supported major sporting events including the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four. She brings deep industry expertise and connections to Music City Academy.
.jpeg)
Board Member
Al Smith
Al Smith is a former NFL All-Pro linebacker and seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience across professional sports, business, and community engagement. He played 11 seasons in the NFL, serving as a team captain for the Houston Oilers, and later held leadership roles with the Tennessee Titans, including Director of Player Development and Pro Scouting.
Following his playing career, Al has built a diverse professional portfolio spanning business operations, financial services, and leadership development.
%20(1).jpg)
Board Member
Kris Schneider
Kris Schneider supports innovative, career-connected learning through his work in education, helping expand access to hands-on experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. His focus is on building programs and partnerships that connect learning to real-world opportunities.
With experience in program development and education innovation, Kris brings a forward-thinking approach to student engagement and career readiness. He is committed to creating meaningful pathways for student growth and long-term success.
​
Board Member
Clint Story
Clint Story is an experienced sales and business development professional with a strong track record of driving growth, building client relationships, and expanding market opportunities. He brings expertise in strategic planning, sales execution, and partnership development across competitive industries.
Known for his results-driven approach, Clint has led initiatives that increase revenue, strengthen client engagement, and support organizational growth. He is a passionate leader who values team building and improving organizational performance.
​