Mr. Austyn Callahan was elected to The Vanguard School board in 2025. A proud Colorado native, Austyn was born on Fort Carson and began attending The Vanguard School as a kindergartener in 2000. He graduated in 2013 and later returned to serve the school as a staff member from 2018 to 2025, most recently as the Director of Information Technology. He also coached both boys and girls high school tennis for one year during his time on staff.
Austyn holds a double major in Business Management and Mathematics from Bethany College in Kansas and earned his M.S. in Information Systems with a specialization in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from the University of Colorado Denver. He currently works as a cybersecurity specialist for a defense contractor, supporting national security efforts through information security and risk management.
He is married to a fellow Vanguard alumna, and together they have three daughters – their oldest will be entering first grade at Vanguard in the 2025–2026 school year. Austyn is passionate about preserving and advancing the mission of The Vanguard School. As both a former student and staff member, he brings a deep historical perspective to the board and values the school’s classical model of education and commitment to character development.
Austyn Callahan’s board seat is up for election in May 2030
Nicole Hinton and her husband Rick joined the Vanguard family in 2021 upon enrolling their three children on the basis of The Vanguard School’s classical education program and emphasis on the cardinal virtues. Nicole has been active in the school as a volunteer and head coach of the Landshark’s K-3 team for three years.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Nicole hopes she can contribute her time and energy in protecting and defending the foundation Vanguard was built on 30 years ago. She believes in the classical education model above all others and the virtues of prudence, fortitude, justice, and temperance. Nicole looks forward to collaborating with Vanguard teachers and staff to ensure the strongest decisions are made to keep Vanguard the best school Colorado Springs has to offer.
Nicole Hinton’s board seat is up for election in May 2029.
Mr. Eric Katzung was elected to the board in 2024. He is married to Dava, and they have three children enrolled at The Vanguard School. Eric has a BBA in Business Finance and Entrepreneurship. He currently is helping lead a high-tech blockchain start-up company. Eric also is leading a global enterprise network with about 600 businesses. He lived in Taiwan for 10 years studying Mandarin Chinese while teaching English and helping launch an Industrial IoT business. My desire is that The Vanguard School students would be recognized for their strong character and significant contributions in all their current and future ventures and academic pursuits. As I have learned more about The Vanguard School over the past several years, I believe the families, teachers and staff are our greatest assets to realize these desired outcomes. I hope to contribute to the mission of The Vanguard School as a servant leader, compassionate listener, and strategic thinker. It is a privilege to serve The Vanguard School community as a board member.
Eric Katzung’s board seat is up for election in May 2028.
Mr. Koppisch was elected to the board in 2022. He has been actively involved in the school community as a Vanguard parent since 2013. He currently has children at all campuses of Vanguard. Eric has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University and a M.B.A. from California State University at Bakersfield. He currently works as an engineer for Space Systems Command of the US Space Force at Peterson SFB. Eric firmly believes in the classical approach to education and the Vanguard focus on character building. He believes the education at Vanguard prepares students to excel at all levels and provides them the skills needed for success.
Eric Koppisch’s board seat is up for election in May 2027.
Mike Sheley and his wife Kelly are blessed with four children all enrolled at Vanguard. Mike grew up in Oregon and has a B.S. in Computer Science and a Master’s in Information Technology. He served in a variety of military, civilian, and contractor leadership roles in cybersecurity and warfighter communication systems across Alaska and England before settling here in Colorado Springs in 2010. Mike and Kelly selected Vanguard when considering where to educate their children due to their focus on character development, meeting academic potential, and the rigor and structure inherent in the classical education curriculum. Mike is extremely thankful to serve on the board alongside the amazing team of parents, staff, and volunteers in upholding the values and mission of The Vanguard School in preparing and equipping our children and community to succeed
Mike Sheley’s board seat is up for election in May 2031.
