Whitefield Academy welcomes Nathan Stevens as the principal of the Upper School effective July 2015. Finishing the 2014-2015 academic school year as Upper School principal, Jason Van Bemmel will return to his former calling to serve as the pastor of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church in Forest Hill, Maryland, a new Presbyterian church which will start worshiping on July 5.
“Our Upper School is flourishing, and Nathan Stevens is exactly who we need to continue propelling the school forward. He is a proven leader who has demonstrated a commitment to the hallmarks of Whitefield Academy – excellence in academics in a Christ-centered community that offers athletics, arts, and all of the necessary components of a well-rounded educational experience,” said Headmaster Kevin Bracher.
Currently leading as academic dean and head of the upper school at Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville, Tenn. for the past two years, Stevens values a spiritual foundation in education – integrating a Biblical worldview with a rigorous academic program.
Prior to his time at Grace Christian, Stevens served as head of the upper school at Hilton Head Preparatory School in South Carolina, orchestrating and implementing curriculum review, college counseling initiatives and mission-driven advisory programs.
With an undergraduate degree in history education from Maranatha Baptist University and a graduate degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina, Stevens has followed his calling as an academic leader – bringing 16 years of preparatory school experience with him to Whitefield Academy.
Leaving an indelible impression on the students and faculty who had the opportunity to learn from him, Upper School Principal Jason Van Bemmel will continue educating and leading through Christ with his new congregation in Maryland and volunteering with his former school, New Covenant Christian.
“I will really miss the people and the community at Whitefield. The faculty of the Upper School, in particular, is the finest faculty I have ever seen,” stated Van Bemmel. “It is not easy for me to say good-bye, as excited as we are about continuing God’s calling.”