Arete Scholars president steps aside

“Goodbye always makes my throat hurt.” — Charlie Brown

Our throats are hurting a bit today. After 10 years of leading Arete Scholars Fund, cofounder Derek Monjure is stepping aside as president to pursue new opportunities in the field of education. Derek will consult with Arete for the remainder of 2020 and will continue as a member of the board of directors.

Derek and Board Chair Greg Beadles, longtime friends and also cofounders of a Gwinnett County (GA) classical Christian school, established Arete Scholars in 2010 to address the inequalities of educational opportunity for low-income and minority Georgia children. Under Derek’s leadership and operating through tax credit scholarship programs in Georgia and Louisiana, Arete has awarded nearly 12,000 K-12 scholarships worth more than $50 million in aid through the 2020-21 school year. 

“Derek’s vision and passion for serving marginalized children has been foundational to Arete’s success,” said Greg Beadles. “Thousands of students have been given life-changing opportunities and are now flourishing, thanks to the work of Derek and his team.”

During his decade at Arete Scholars, Derek has also served on school boards, lobbied for stronger tax credit scholarship legislation, and been a powerful voice in the school choice movement. 

Most of all, for the team at Arete and so many others, Derek has been a mentor, teacher, advocate, and friend. He will be greatly missed, but his vision and influence will help guide Arete into our next 10 years at-risk children. 

About Arete Scholars Fund

Arete Scholars gives kids in need a chance by giving their parents a choice. Through K-12 scholarships and student-focused programming, Arete is helping transform the lives of those who face the greatest obstacles to academic and personal achievement.