MEET THE NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL: Bill Shelnutt, Tiftarea Academy’s new head of school, with his family, wife, Susan, and twins, Annie and Will.

CHULA — Tiftarea Academy has named Bill Shelnutt as the new Head of School. An experienced school leader, Shelnutt will succeed Mr. Stacey Bell. Shelnutt will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2024, upon Bell’s retirement.

Shelnutt has been involved in school leadership for more than 25 years in Alabama and Georgia. He has been a teacher, a coach, a division principal and a three time Head of School.

“We believe that Mr.Shelnutt will be a highly competent and confident steward of Tiftarea’s mission; his knowledge of and experience with independent schools, strong interpersonal skills, and values driven leadership style is a strong match for us.” said Board Chairman, Dr. Scott Fulp.

In his most recent role as Head of School at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, Alabama, Shelnutt oversaw stable enrollment in the midst of the pandemic. He brought several new initiatives including instituting tuition insurance, a new master teaching schedule, balanced budget, increased annual fund, successful capital campaign, and numerous facility improvements.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Shelnutt and his family to Tiftarea,” said Kyle Grist, Board of Trustees Member. “During his time on campus, he was engaging with faculty, staff, students and parents. We look forward to the energy and enthusiastic leadership he will bring to Tiftarea Academy.”

Shelnutt received a BA in History from SUNY Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, and an MBA from Reinhardt University in Waleska. In addition to his experience in schools, Shelnutt has served on independent school boards, taught classes at Independent School Management, led school accreditations, and has developed successful strategic plans for numerous schools.

Shelnutt is married to Susan, a career teacher and current dyslexia therapist.Together they have twins, Annie and Will (14), who will be attending Tiftarea Academy as sophomores in the fall of 2024.