Visible Men Academy (VMA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Janjay Gehndyu as principal. Gehndyu earned a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University and brings 14 years of experience as science teacher and educational leader to the position. Most recently, he served as the science department chair at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences.

Prior to his time in Sarasota County, Gehndyu taught biology and chemistry in Manatee County at Braden River High School. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership. He is expected to bring a renewed emphasis on a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) curriculum for VMA’s students.

In addition to his work in the classroom and as an educational leader, Gehndyu is active in the community. He founded the Academic Empowerment Agency, focused on providing a hand up for students in underserved communities, volunteers as a tutor at the Sarasota Housing Authority, serves as a volunteer reading coach and teaches computer programming at Selby Library.