Silk Road Educational Network
Oversight Committee

This Committee is a cohort of experts in their respective fields. Their breadth of experience in both private and public education as well as the private sector will inform and guide the formation of the network.

Committee Responsibities include:

Business Plan Criticism
Curriculum Evaluation
Vision and Mission Accountability
Provide wisdom and insight based upon experience.
Help build network of advisors.

William Cherry - International Educator

William Cherry has spent the better part of the last two decades leading academic creation and innovation at international schools throughout Asia.  He has served variously as a Vice-Principal, curriculum developer, administrator managing foreign teachers, and social studies department head while also teaching middle and high school students. He earned a Masters Degree in History from Cleveland State University and immediately took a leadership role in establishing a new international school project in China. He has been teaching in Asia ever since with stops in Bangladesh, Japan, and Taiwan.

The majority of the schools William has served at have been small, Christian, international schools with an eye towards growth but with a paucity of resources.  He’s been instrumental in developing new classes and resources based on his own background as a subject matter expert coupled with a strategic outlook towards meeting the goals of shareholders and administrators.

William is aware of the latest educational trends and practices but with the benefit of an historian’s unique perspective. This leads him to a deep interest in cultivating virtues and excellence that have long been evidenced through traditional and classical methods.  He has effectively called on these methods in developing unique curriculum with the result being marked long-term student success. He welcomes interaction with academics who possess a vision of fearless innovation that are working towards a true revolution in education. One firmly rooted in the timeless virtues and proven excellence of past masters.   

Calvin Owens PhD - Retired Administrator

Calvin Owens, Ph.D. has been an educator for over 52 years of active service teaching from grade two through graduate school MBA courses.  His bachelor’s degree was in Secondary Education from Old Dominion University in 1972.  He achieved his MS degree in 1978 also from Old Dominion University.  He took his Ph.D. in 1992 from Iowa State University.

For half of his career Calvin taught various levels in school.  He taught in public as well as private christian schools.  The balance of his career was in administration of public schools and school districts in Illinois. Calvin initially retired from public education in 2013.  He then emigrated to Taiwan where he became Academic Dean at Grace Christian Academy where he remained until his second retirement in 2021.

Calvin enjoys the study of theology and utilizes most of his spare time reading theology, biographies of great Christians and exercise.  He has also assumed the position as a voluntary Evangelism Responder by way of the internet with Need Him Global Ministries.  He hopes to continue reaching more people for the love of Christ.

Jeremy Cooper PhD - Psychotherapist

Dr. Jeremy Cooper is a psychotherapist in Dallas, Texas providing services to adults that have suffered from trauma-related and dissociative disorders. In addition, he publishes research in the intersection between psychology, philosophy, and cognitive science. He is particularly interested in understanding how symptoms lead an individual to hold particular beliefs. 

His studies have focused on developing research that helps communicate the lived experiences of those with mental illness. Both in and out of his career, ingenuity and humility are important values that guide him. He and his wife, Rachel, attend a local Anglican communion in downtown Dallas where they have found valuable ways to serve and grow in a liturgical tradition.