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Fort Dale Academy has announced Greta Whiddon as its new headmaster, ushering in a new chapter for the private school with a familiar face known for her dedication to education and student success.

“She served as my instructional coach and then as dropout prevention advisor and she did a phenomenal job,” said Joseph Dean, former principal at Greenville High School. “I truly believe she’s going to do a wonderful job. She’s got the students’ best interest at heart. She’s not an 8-3 type person, she’s a 7-7 or until the job is done type person. She is a tireless worker.”

Whiddon, who began her educational career in Butler County and later served at Pike Liberal Arts School, said she feels “honored and privileged to step into the Head of School role as [the school] continues offering a plethora of opportunities for young people to reach their full potential as they pursue college and career goals.”

Born in Panama City, Florida, Whiddon moved to Greenville in the fifth grade and graduated from Greenville High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science. in elementary education from Troy University and a M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University. Her teaching career began at Greenville Middle School, where she taught fifth grade for 21 years alongside mentors Judy Tindal and her mother, Jo Shephard.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Whiddon said. “There are many educators in my family, including my grandfather, mother, aunts, an uncle, sister-in-laws, cousins and nieces. I truly believe any job in education is a calling, not just a profession.” 

After more than two decades in the classroom, she transitioned to Greenville High School where she held multiple roles including instructional coach, testing coordinator, night school administrator and dropout prevention advisor. She later joined the team at Pike Liberal Arts as College Counselor before returning to Butler County in 2021 to serve as assistant principal and college counselor at Fort Dale.

“Coming to work at Fort Dale as the Assistant Principal and College Counselor has been such a blessing,” Whiddon said. “Both of my children (Chase and Tucker) graduated from FDA, so I was already familiar with the family atmosphere, strong traditions and the great sense of pride that make the school so special.”

Eric Burkett, former head of school at Pike Liberal Arts, praised Whiddon’s leadership and innovation. “She became an instrumental part of our admin team, someone I could bounce ideas off of and vice versa,” Burkett said. “The kids loved her. She’s an amazing advocate for students. The kids (at Fort Dale) will love her too. She thinks outside of the box and gets things accomplished.”

Outside of her professional life, she is a member of Southside Baptist Church and enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, swimming and visiting the beach. Her grandson Wilson now attends Fort Dale’s new child care and learning center, continuing the family’s strong connection to the school.