UCA Community,
We are excited to share an important update on the progress of our Lakeville campus project. It’s been a little while since our last communication, and we are deeply grateful for your continued patience, support, prayers, and encouragement throughout this journey.
Over the past several months, we’ve been actively engaged—meeting with potential donors, connecting with local churches, and collaborating with developers near our property. These conversations have been both inspiring and strategic, opening new doors that we believe will play a critical role in what lies ahead.
As we revisited the project with fresh eyes and growing clarity, we recognized the need to fortify the vision—to ensure a foundation that is both sustainable and strong. Through prayerful reflection and insight from our community, a strategic path forward emerged: we are moving ahead with a High School–first approach as Phase 1 of our Lakeville campus.
This isn’t a scaled-back version—it’s a purposeful realignment. By starting with a high school, we establish a strong anchor for future growth, reduce initial costs, and create a meaningful presence in a community that urgently needs a Christ-centered high school. As a second campus, the Lakeville site will complement our ongoing ministry and academic programs at our Bloomington campus expanding our reach while remaining unified in mission and identity. This phased approach allows us to move forward with focus and flexibility while continuing to offer the kind of education that shapes students to lead with courage and conviction.
Though the path may look different than we originally envisioned, the destination remains unchanged: a full PreK–12 campus that will serve generations of students and families. We are walking forward in faith—confident that God is directing each step.
Strengthening the Vision with Experienced Leadership
As we step into this next chapter, we’re excited to introduce several key leaders who bring not only professional expertise but also deep roots in the community and a shared passion for our mission. Serving as members of the United Christian Academy Foundation Board, they will play a vital role in guiding and championing the vision of our Lakeville campus forward.
Doug Anderson – UCAF Board Chair
Doug and his wife Deb are longtime Lakeville residents, and their two children attended Bethany Academy (a legacy school of UCA). Doug brings a wealth of experience in finance, civic leadership, and community building—having served as Mayor of Lakeville from 2017 to 2022. He now serves as a strategic liaison for the Lakeville campus project, helping to connect donors, civic leaders, and developers. His leadership is integral as UCA moves toward construction and long-term partnership in the community.
Lou Hernandez – UCAF Board Member
Lou has been a Lakeville resident since 2000 and has deep roots in church ministry, technology infrastructure, and global missions. He serves as Director of IT and Expansion Projects at River Valley Church. Lou and his wife—his high school sweetheart—have raised their family in Lakeville and share a passion for marriage mentoring, outreach, and Kingdom service. He brings technical expertise and a visionary mindset to the development of UCA’s Lakeville campus.
Ben Peters – UCAF Secretary/Treasurer
A 2010 graduate of Bethany Academy (legacy school of UCA), Ben earned a degree in Business Administration from North Central University before founding Mission Real Estate Group, where he serves as owner and lead agent. He and his wife live in Lakeville with their two young children. With a heart for both business and ministry, Ben brings energy, local connection, and leadership to help build a high-impact UCA presence in the South Metro.
Chris Foster – UCAF Board Member
Chris serves on both the UCAF Board and the UCA School Board. He and his wife have been married for 15 years and live in Bloomington with their two sons who attend UCA. Chris works as a recruiter for a leading trucking company and has been an active member of River Valley Church for over 15 years. He is deeply passionate about Christian education and is committed to investing in the next generation of Christ-followers.
Ryan Kotula – UCAF Board Member
Ryan and his wife are the parents of two UCA graduates. Ryan has served as a co-owner of Northern Tool + Equipment for over 26 years. He is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in Finance and Marketing and completed the Minnesota Executive Program through the Carlson School of Management in 2007. Ryan brings valuable business acumen and a strong commitment to Christian education and leadership.
Colleen Ratzlaff LaBeau – UCAF Board Member
Colleen and her husband Tom, married for 28 years, live in Lakeville and are proud grandparents of three. She brings more than 40 years of experience in real estate and public service, including serving on the Lakeville City Council from 2011–2018. She was named Realtor of the Year (2005), Volunteer of the Year (2009), and Business Person of the Year (2016). Passionate about helping students enter the trades, Colleen has also held numerous civic and Rotary leadership roles. Her insights into local development and community needs are a vital asset to UCA’s Lakeville initiative.
We are deeply grateful for these leaders and the momentum they bring. Their commitment, experience, and collaboration are helping turn vision into reality.
As Psalm 33:11 reminds us, “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” That promise gives us confidence and peace, knowing that God’s purposes are unfolding in His perfect timing.
We’re excited about this next step—and we invite you to continue leaning in with us. This is more than a building project—it’s a faith journey we’re walking together. We’ll continue to share updates as things progress. In the meantime, we ask for your continued prayers—for open doors, aligned partners, and God’s provision at every step.
Chad Peters
Head of School