Jerry BeVelle

Owner/Instructor

Jerry BeVelle, our fearless leader, has been in the barber and beauty industry for 45 years as both a barber instructor and salon/barber school owner. After graduating from the Texas Barber School in Fort Worth, Jerry received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Sam Houston University. He has been a salon owner, a salon chain owner, a barber and cosmetology school owner, a barber instructor, and even an officer (1st Lieutenant) in the United States Army. Jerry was also appointed to the Barber Cosmetology Board for the State of Missouri.

Marsha Harris

School Administrator

Our school administrator, Marsha Harris, has 39 years experience in cosmetology education. After receiving her cosmetology and instructor training from Springfield Beauty Academy, Marsha earned her cosmetology and manicuring CA, esthetician E, instructor CA, and E licenses, and now serves as instructor and director for the three courses the Academy of Hair Design offers to its students.

"Academy of Hair Design has given me the best opportunity of my cosmetology career. It has been a wonderful experience working with the students all of these years. The greatest reward is seeing a student learn, grow and become a true professional in our field."

Kathy Cook

Assistant School Administrator

A graduate of cosmetology school in 1990, Kathy earned her instructor license in 1991 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts in 1992 from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. Kathy has worked in various salons in Springfield while also serving as Master Stylist for Major Corporation as well as assisting in producing Major Corporation training videos. She is a certified Redken colorist and a licensed manicurist and esthetician instructor and serves as the Academy's assistant school administrator.

Thomas Runion

Barber Instructor

Coming to us from Independence, Missouri, Thomas Runion is our barber instructor. Thomas spent six years in the United States Navy, two years in Junior College and has earned his barber and barber instructor license.

Susan Harmon

Instructor

Susan Harmon has made her home in Nixa, Mo., for the past 20 years. After raising two daughters she decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a cosmetologist. She graduated from the Academy of Hair Design in 2008 and received her instructor's license in 2009. She is currently serving as a cosmetology instructor for the Academy.

Marsha Shelburn

Instructor

Marsha Shelburn first had her nail tech license for 5 years when she came to the Academy to attend our barber course. Once she graduated she worked in the beauty industry doing both hair and nails for a year, when she decided she enjoyed the Academy so much she wanted to teach here. Marsha holds a license in cosmetology, nail tech and barbering. Currently she serves as one of our instructors at the Academy.

Kim Thompson

Esthetics Instructor

Kim has been a licensed nail technician since 1999 and licensed esthetician since 2006. She has spent the last 9 years at Big Cedar Lodge Spa in the capacities of technician, trainer and supervisor. Currently she serves as the Academy's esthetics instructor.

Denise Doucet

Front Desk Supervisor, Promotions and Instructor

After graduating from barber school in 2000, Denise (a Springfield native) received her barber instructor license, nail tech instructor license, and cosmetology instructor license. She now serves as our front desk supervisor, promotions supervisor, and instructor.

Brad Fuller

Financial Aid Director

Brad studied public administration at Missouri State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1982. He has more than 20 years of student financial aid experience working at MSU and OTC. He now serves as the Academy's director of financial aid.

Shelly Meyer

Operations Manager

Shelly studied marketing and sales at SMSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005. While attending SMSU, Shelly worked in the admissions department assisting prospective students. After graduation, Shelly worked for Express Personnel Services as a human resource staffing specialist. She now serves as the Academy's operations manager.

Michelle Bruce

Financial Aid Coordinator

Michelle comes to us with over 10 years consumer finance and management experience. Most recently she was the lead finance counselor at the University of Phoenix - Springfield Campus for 3 years and is now serving as the Academy's Financial Aid Coordinator.

Denise Shank

Admissions Counselor

Denise studied Psychology at Pittsburg State University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in 2004. While attending Pitt State she worked in the Elementary Education Department. She was then employed with Express Employment Professionals as a staffing consultant. Denise currently serves as our Admissions Counselor.

Diane Gardner

Front Desk Coordinator

Diane Gardner is a native of the Springfield area, where she attended Hill Crest College of Cosmetology and worked for Pro Cuts (previously owned by the Academy's owner, Jerry BeVelle) as a cosmetologist. Diane has two children and is happily married now living in Ozark. She is currently serving as the Academy's front desk coordinator.