Administration
Smith Academy for Excellence is led by an administrative team consisting of a School Leader, and two assistant School Leaders. Together, these administrators ensure that the school operates productively and efficiently.
Corey Smith
Co-Founder and School Leader
As School Leader, Corey Smith oversees and manages organizational, fiscal, and employment matters. He establishes a school culture of success supported by a climate that is conducive to high achievement.
Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grace College and a Master of Education Administration from Grand Canyon University. He was a teacher in Fort Wayne from 2004 to 2012. During those years, he was a high school assistant basketball coach for girls for one year and for boys for three years. He held leadership roles as a teacher including Math Bowl Coach, Quality Improvement Team member, Thinking Skills Coach, and Leadership Team member. Mr. Smith piloted the Primary Years Program, International Baccalaureate’s elementary program, for his school and led the school through the process of adopting elements of that program.
Since 2012, Mr. Smith has been an administrator at Smith Academy, holding positions as Chief Academic Officer, Assistant School Leader and School Leader. He has received various honors including a 2017 Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Forty under 40 Award.
Michael Muter
Assistant School Leader
As Assistant School Leader, Mr. Muter has the duty of assisting the School Leader with day-to-day operations of the school including the meal program, discipline, the physical plant and transportation. He also works closely with the community.
Michael Muter holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Taylor University and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Indiana University. He also holds a Masters Level certification in Building Level Administration. He was a classroom teacher for several years but has spent the majority of his education career as an Elementary and High School Counselor. Mr. Muter held leadership roles as Counseling Department Head and School Improvement Team member. He was on the leadership team to implement a Sources of Strength wellness/suicide prevention program for his school. He is a QPR Gatekeeper suicide prevention trainer. He has been an administrator at Smith Academy since 2021.
Daniel Schaepkens
Assistant School Leader
As Assistant School Leader, Mr. Schaepkens manages discipline and general supervision of scholars. He also helps oversee extracurricular activities and assists the
School Leader in any capacity necessary to ensure a positive learning environment.
Mr. Schaepkens holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Indiana Tech and is working toward a Master's degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. He was a teacher in Fort Wayne and New Haven from 2017 to 2022. During those years, he taught a combination of physical education, art, math, and health. In addition to teaching, Mr. Schaepkens coached lacrosse at the JV, varsity, and college levels from 2016 to 2019. He held leadership roles as a social emotional committee member, coach, and now an assistant school leader.
