UCHS Board of Directors
University Christian High School is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS). It is governed by an association of Lutheran Churches. The representatives of these association churches elect the UCHS Board of Directors. Elected members of the board serve a two-year term and can serve only two terms consecutively. A majority of the BOD members (4) must be members of LCMS congregations. Other BOD members include a chaplain, a representative from Lenoir Rhyne University and an ex-officio member from St. Andrews. Board members are not compensated for their time and duties. If you wish to email the UCHS Board of Directors, you may use uchsboard@uchigh.com.
Current board members are:
Wally Zahler, Chair
Dr. Zahler is a retired teacher, principal, and central office administrator in the Catawba County School System with forty years of experience. He brings to the UCHS Board of Directors a vast knowledge of education. Wally is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hickory.
Linda Coffey, Vice-Chair
Mrs. Coffey is a parent of students currently at UCHS and graduates of UCHS. She is a Vice-President of Finance at Lowe’s Companies. She brings an accounting background as well as the parent viewpoint to the board. Linda is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover.
Michael Gerken
Mr. Gerken is a parent of a UCHS student and a Thrivent Financial Advisor. His Thrivent office is located in Newton, NC. He brings knowledge of accounting and financials to the board as well as a parent's point of view. Michael is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover.
David Janisko
Mr. Janisko is a retired Lutheran School Principal with 43 years of experience in Lutheran schools in New Jersey, Florida, and North Carolina. He received the National Distinguished Lutheran Principal Award from the Lutheran Education Association and was named a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 1992. His knowledge of Lutheran education is a great benefit to the UCHS Board of Directors. David is now a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Hickory.
Rev. Shea Pennington, Chaplain
Pastor Shea is the Associate Pastor at St. Stephens Lutheran Church & School and the pastoral representative on the UCHS Board. He is here to serve and support the holistic well-being of students and staff at UCHS.
David Reitzel
Mr. Reitzel is the CEO of Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC. David returns to the Board from his earlier years with UCHS as a former chair and former UCHS parent. David was the key driver in the actual creation and development of UCHS.
Laura Crawley
Dr. Laura Crawley is the inaugural vice president for mission, engagement, and innovation at Lenoir-Rhyne University and represents LR on the board. Laura is a lifelong Lutheran who attends Chapel services on campus and is a member with her family of St. John’s Lutheran Church - Atlanta.
