The Oak Hill Academy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Micah Kurtz as the school’s next President.
From Steve Smith, Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, Oak Hill Academy, 1983-2022: “I am thrilled for Micah Kurtz’ appointment to Oak Hill Academy. I have known Micah for over 20 years and firmly believe he is the perfect choice to serve and lead the school into the future. I have met only a few individuals in my four decades as an educator and coach who I would list to have the talent and foresight for student development and fostering a successful school culture. Micah Kurtz tops my list.”
Previously, Kurtz served as the Director of Sports Performance and Assistant Director of Athletics at Windermere Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida. During his six years at the school, he led the creation of a culture which continually strived to become “the best at getting better” throughout the entire school and community. Kurtz has over 20 years’ experience in administration, teaching and coaching at the collegiate, private school and public-school levels.
From Kurtz: “I am deeply honored to be chosen to lead this esteemed school into its next chapter. A testament to Dr. Groves’, Coach Smith’s and others past leadership, Oak Hill has a world class staff in place and no school in the world has a better alumni group or brand than Oak Hill Academy. I am incredibly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Oak Hill and look forward to working with all stakeholders to make our vision a reality. I extend my thanks to the board of trustees for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility.”
Kurtz is recognized as one of the top educators and coaches in the country and is a leader in athletics and student development. Kurtz was named the National Strength Coach of the Year in 2016. He also serves as an advisor on youth athletic development for USA Basketball, the NFL and USA Football. A person of faith, his leadership and administrative skills extend beyond the athletic arena; he is most adept at building relationships and creating cultures of positivity and collaboration.
From Steve Blake, 13-year NBA veteran and Oak Hill Alumni Class of 1999: “When I moved to Orlando four years ago, it was great to be able to connect with Micah through our shared Oak Hill Basketball connections. For the past few years, my three sons have been part of Micah’s training programs. He has not only helped them become better athletes, but he has also been a positive and encouraging influence in their lives. We are sad to see him leave Florida, but excited for Oak Hill Academy and another National Championship coming soon!”
Kurtz has been published in multiple publications and given over 100 presentations around the country and world about building school cultures and athletic development. He already has an existing strong connection with Oak Hill Academy as he has served as the school’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning Consultant for the past 14 years.
From Tony Dorado, National Manager of Nike High School Basketball: “I have known Micah Kurtz for over 10 years and have seen every school and organization he has been a part of become better. The synergy of having Micah become the President of Oak Hill Academy, one of the historic top high school basketball programs in the country, will be nothing short of electric. I am happy for him, the Oak Hill Basketball program and the entire school community. He is the best choice to take Coach Smith’s and Dr. Groves’ legacy into the new generation.”
An educator and motivator at heart, Kurtz is excited about the opportunity to build upon the 145-year legacy of Oak Hill Academy. His presence will bring a fresh vision to OHA—one that honors the school’s past and secures a successful future.
Kurtz was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and earned degrees from The State University of Cortland in NY (BA) and The University of South Carolina (MS). Kurtz is married to Whitney, formerly of Columbia, SC. The family have two children; daughter, Mia and son, MJ.
Micah and his family will move to Mouth of Wilson in mid-June. OHA’s current President, Dr. Michael Groves, is retiring July 31, 2024.