Our leadership
Veleka Battle, Principal
Veleka Battle is the Principal for THINC College & Career Academy; she was previously Assistant Principal/CTAE Supervisor.
As a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of education experience, Ms. Battle is known to invest in her professional growth through continuous professional development. Her core values and beliefs are to create a culture of academic excellence, community, and growth. She continuously works to build relationships and a high-quality learning atmosphere conducive to building capacity, shared leadership, and academic excellence. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Callaway Middle School where she led as school test coordinator and transportation supervisor, provided continuous staff development, and sustained a positive and equitable school culture. Before that, Ms. Battle was promoted from her science position into her initial administrative role of Assistant Principal in 2017 at LaGrange High School where she supported staff in building teacher collegiality, school supervision, and safety/emergency preparedness.
Ms. Battle holds an Ed.S from Columbus State University, specializing in Educational Leadership, and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from LaGrange College. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum and Leadership.
In addition to her involvement within our school system, Ms. Battle volunteers in her church and the local community. She dedicates the majority of her free time to her beautiful daughter Shaela, family, and travel.
Kenneth Kennedy, Assistant Principal
Kenneth Kennedy serves as the Assistant Principal and Registrar at THINC College and Career Academy,
embodying the principles of a servant leader dedicated to educational excellence. For the past four years, he
held the same role at The HOPE Academy, contributing to his 20-year tenure as an educator within the Troup
County School System. With 28 years of service to youth and his community, Mr. Kennedy has consistently
demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering student success.
Driven by data-informed decision-making and a passion for innovative leadership, Mr. Kennedy cultivates
positive, academically rigorous learning environments where both students and staff thrive. His hands-on
approach to professional development includes delivering targeted staff training and staying abreast of the latest
educational research to ensure continuous improvement.
Mr. Kennedy’s academic credentials include Tier I Leadership Certification, Master of Arts in Teaching, B.A.
in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology, and A.A. in Criminal Justice. Through his extensive experience and
servant leadership, he continues to inspire and empower the next generation of learners while strengthening his
community.