Newberry Academy board chairman Clark DeHart extended an invitation to all Newberry Academy families to “come out and meet our new head of school” on the night of Aug. 21 at the school’s annual open house.
This invitation was answered with a gymnasium full of Newberry Academy parents, students, and faculty—all eager to see the introduction of new head of school Brian Fitzgerald.
After a brief welcome from assistanthead of school, Shelby Fulmer, DeHart introduced the new head of school. Fitzgerald then spoke to the crowd about his background, beliefs, and plans for the future of Newberry Academy.
As the school begins a new academic year, Fitzgerald says that one of his biggest goals is to expand upon the things that Newberry Academy does well.
However, he also hopes to increase offerings within the school, so that the Academy students will have every opportunity to get the complete student experience.
Fitzgerald believes that this can be achieved at Newberry Academy through a more personalized approach to education.
For example, he is currently in the process of upgrading academics with attention to detail and promoting the use of technology in the school.
“I’m impressed with the dedication of the students, families, and faculty and the foundation that the school has already built,” Fitzgerald said. He is excited about the opportunity to draw from his life experiences to help students.
Fitzgerald is a graduate of The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., with a degree in English. He entered education “to have the opportunity to make an effective change in the lives of students by preparing them for college while obtaining an education experience tailored to them.”
Fitzgerald comes to Newberry Academy from Dillon Christian School, where he served as head of school. Previously he had served as assistant head of school at Trinity Collegiate School in Darlington.
Before moving to South Carolina, Fitzgerald was a center director at Sylvan Learning Center in Virginia.
“Working at Sylvan really opened my eyes and gave me a new and different perspective on education,” he said. Fitzgerald also has experience as an English instructor and in various athletic coaching positions.
Fitzgerald describes himself as “really passionate about education” and is excited about the opportunity he has at Newberry Academy. All it takes is talking to him a few minutes, and it is clear that this is true.
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