CARROLLTON, GA, September 18, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patrick J. Yuran has been recognized for achievement in educational leadership and arts administration.
Mr. Yuran currently serves as President of Oak Mountain Academy and has been the institution's top executive leader since 2018. In this capacity, he oversees the school's mission and vision, organizational culture and climate, marketing, fund development, budget and strategic planning. He also manages alumni relations and is the sole employee reporting to the Board of Trustees.
During his tenure at Oak Mountain Academy, Mr. Yuran developed the MOVA Discovery Experience, a school model now used nationwide. This innovative approach to education emphasizes skills-based teaching that meets state standards while preparing students for college and industry. The model also focuses on training empathetic leaders and building positive organizational culture, making it valuable for both schools and businesses. Through his consulting business, Mr. Yuran has shared the MOVA Discovery Experience with schools across the country and adapted it for workforce training and onboarding.
In addition to his leadership at Oak Mountain Academy, Mr. Yuran has served as the President of PJ Productions since 2023, where he contributes his expertise in leadership, artistic direction, and creative design to immersive projects. In 2022, he founded and continues to serve as the Artistic Director of The REAL Theatre Inc, further demonstrating his commitment to the performing arts.
As the President of PM Retreat Properties since 2020, Mr. Yuran has overseen various initiatives in property management and retreat services. His ongoing work as president of PJY Consulting LLC, which began in 2014, involves advising educational institutions and organizations on curriculum development and strategic planning.
From 2011 to 2018, Mr. Yuran was the Head of School and Principal at Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School, where he provided leadership in academic programming and school administration. Earlier in his career, from 2001 to 2011, he served as the Assistant Principal and Director of Theatre at The Academy of the Holy Cross. Throughout these roles, Mr. Yuran has established himself as an expert in educational leadership and curriculum design.
Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Yuran's industry affiliations include serving on the Board of Trustees for both the Carroll County Education Collaborative and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. These memberships reflect his dedication to advancing education and supporting community development.
Mr. Yuran's academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Directing with a focus on stage, film and theatre education from the University of Montana. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from LaGrange College. Furthering his qualifications, Mr. Yuran holds a certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Trinity University as well as International Baccalaureate Certification. His pursuit of higher education was driven by early experiences as a professional actor touring nationally and internationally. Graduate studies enabled him to learn how to fund creative projects while expanding his expertise in drama education and directing.
After completing his advanced degrees, Mr. Yuran worked at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where he developed arts-based curricula for teachers while continuing to direct and produce theater in Washington, D.C. and New York City. Earning certifications in Teaching, Administration, and Educational Leadership allowed him to transition into K-12 education roles.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Yuran attributes much of his success to an extraordinary network of mentors and inspirational colleagues whose friendships have enriched both his personal life and professional journey. He values the integration of these relationships as a rare privilege that has shaped his approach to leadership, encouraging people to stay true to their innate sense of purpose rather than trying to be someone they are not. He believes that embracing one's authentic purpose leads to greater happiness and impact.
Complementing his professional commitments, Mr. Yuran is actively involved in civic organizations, such as serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Carrollton. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Tanner Health Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Carrollton, underscoring his commitment to community service.
Mr. Yuran's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. The International Baccalaureate Organization honored him with its International Program Award, while the Rotary Club named him Rotarian of the Year. The Chamber of Commerce presented him with the Jim Gill Legacy Award, and Tanner Hospital recognized him with its Magnolia Society Award. He has also received a Goal Achievement Award, and his leadership in education has earned him the distinctions of Head of School of the Year from Education Insider and World's Most Visionary Educator Leader from Enterprise World.
As an author, Mr. Yuran wrote "Holding On and Letting Go: A Story of Love, Life and Loss," inspired by his wife Marie's journey with stage four non-curable cancer. This experience motivated him to create programs and curricula in collaboration with their local hospital to support families facing similar challenges. In honor of Marie's resilience, he established The Marie Yuran Endowment For Cancer Patient Supportive Care with all proceeds from his book and speaking engagements dedicated to this cause.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Yuran enjoys running, working out, fine dining experiences, attending live theater and music events and following University of Georgia football. Looking ahead, he aims to positively impact the educational system by making it more sustainable for workforce and industry needs while continuing personal growth aligned with his true purpose — leading others on journeys of discovery — and being intentional in every interaction so each individual leaves with a positive influence.
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