OSZ Influencer: Reggie Mangal, CFCA dean and director of admissions

Reggie Mangal is the dean and director of admissions at Central Florida Christian Academy. Although the job holds many different aspects, Mangal works to get to the root of the behaviors. He partners with parents as they navigate ways to best help their children be successful. On the admissions side, he gives tours to prospective families and meets with them to answer their questions. Mangal also tests incoming students so the school knows where they land academically. “I have an amazing assistant that helps me with the administrative side of admissions — shout out to Danielle — that I would be lost without her,” he said. “I love my team, administration/staff and faculty that I get to serve our school and community members with. God has truly blessed me here at CFCA.” Lower School Principal Pam Theobald said Mangal “makes all students feel like he is in their corner and that they are loved.”

What brought you to your school?

I recently planted a church with my best friend, Beloved Church, and I felt God leading me after nine years in my prior school to help disciple students by more openly sharing the gospel with them. 

What do you love most about your school?

Day in and day out I get to live life in our community with our students who are the next big world changers.

What is your motivation?

My family motivates me to be the best version of myself in my personal life and my work life.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping students to know that they belong, that they are known and they are loved. I work hard each and every day to get students to see themselves the way God sees them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spending quality time with my beautiful wife, Jess, and two awesome kids, Auggie and Nora. We love playing Legos, going to the beach, singing karaoke loud enough for the neighbors to hear and really any other adventure we can go on together. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Mr. Malone was my favorite teacher. He taught pre-law/government and saw the potential of the man I could be yet I couldn’t see in myself yet. 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I wanted to be a lawyer by day and a rockstar by night. I love standing up for those who cannot defend themselves and I wanted to also tour around to see the world. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is one called “Friday Night Wrestlefest.” My 4-year-old son shares my love for wrestling, and that book has been a family favorite.

What are your hobbies?

I love playing music. I play at The Attic Door in downtown Winter Garden once a month, and I lead worship at our church in Clermont. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would like to be able to run really fast like Flash because he is one of my favorite superheroes. 

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Coldplay, Switchfoot and Ben Rector. They are all part of the reason I started playing music at age 15. 

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

My dad’s famous BLT was my go-to lunch. Favorite snacks were the original Doritos with Mountain Dew. I also loved Twix candy bars — and still do.  

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is my favorite holiday because watching the magic of Christmas through my kids’ eyes brings me so much joy!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

Sylvester, because we both shared a love for WWE wrestling. We were going to be tag team champions but the stars just never aligned. We are no longer in touch as my family moved to America from Curaçao. 

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was the president of the Future Business Leaders of America and played many different sports. Coming to America, I wanted to experience as many different things as I could.