The Brookhaven Academy Board of Directors announced someupcoming administrative changes at the school Thursday, includingthe hiring of a new headmaster.

Dan R. Boyce will replace John Gray, who has served asheadmaster at the private school for 26 years, beginning July1.

Gray does not plan to retire yet, though. He will serve asheadmaster emeritus to advise and assist Boyce through a transitionyear.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s a good Christianman, and I think the board made a good decision,” said Gray aboutthe announcement.

Gray, along with the board of directors, believes Boyce willfill the position nicely.

“Mr. Boyce was clearly the most uniquely qualified for thisjob,” said Board President Ken Powell. “He brings to our school anoutstanding array of experience, training and, most importantly,personal attributes of leadership, integrity and high moralstandards that will help ensure his success as he builds upon thefoundation that has been laid by our current headmaster.”

Boyce currently holds the positions of high school principal andathletic director at Manchester Academy in Yazoo City, where he hasspent the last three years. He also coached the school’s footballteam to a second place finish in the academy AAA championshipplayoffs in 2000.

He has a total of 13 years experience in education, and washighly recommended to Brookhaven Academy’s board from others in theeducation field.

Boyce is excited about his new position at Brookhaven Academy.He hopes to contribute greatly to the educational success alreadypresent at the school.

“I’d love for Brookhaven Academy to be the standard ofexcellence for Christian education in the state of Mississippi,”said Boyce.

Boyce, 37, grew up in Pelahatchie and received his high schooleducation from East Rankin Academy. He obtained a bachelor inbusiness administration degree from The University of Mississippi,a master’s degree in history from Mississippi College and amaster’s degree in education administration from William CareyCollege.

One aspect the board of directors were extremely impressed withis the strong leadership ability Boyce has displayed throughout hiseducation and career.

Powell pointed out how Boyce was a walk-on football player atOle Miss, then received an athletic scholarship for thedetermination he showed.

Boyce went on to letter three years in three different positionsand became president of the letterman’s organization, called the MClub, his senior year at the college.

When Boyce comes to the area in a few months, he will bring hiswife of three weeks, the former Shannon Burton.

“Shannon and I are very excited about the move to Brookhaven andbecoming a part of this community,” said Boyce.

She is also involved in the education field as the specialeducation coordinator at Yazoo City Junior High School and hopes tocontinue working in that field.

Overall, the announcement has the Boyces, the board ofdirectors, Brookhaven Academy staff and the community lookingforward to continuing the tradition that has developed at theschool.

“We are excited about what’s going on at Brookhaven Academy.There have been great accomplishments up to this point with Mr.Gray, and we expect to continue those,” said Powell.