New Administrative Appointments for Nebo School District Starting January 2021

Nathan Whitney – Principal of the New Maple Grove Middle School
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Nathan Whitney as the Principal of the new Maple Grove Middle School for Nebo School District starting in January 2021.

Nathan received his associate’s degree at Dixie College, his bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish and his master’s in Education Administration all at Southern Utah University.

For the past two years, Mr. Whitney has served as the Principal of Mapleton Junior High. Previously, he served as the Assistant Principal at Spanish Fork Junior High for three years and as the Assistant Principal at Diamond Fork Junior for two years. 

Mr. Whitney was nominated this year as the Middle Level Principal of the Year through the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals. 
                   
A colleague said, “Nate is a great leader and has the ability to mentor teachers. He is a highly effective instructional leader. Nate is willing to go the extra mile to try new ideas and strives to help each child succeed in school. I admire his enthusiasm for learning, love of students, collaboration, and team work.”
                         
Mr. Whitney stated, “I am so excited for this opportunity, and I know it will stretch me. But how amazing it will be to welcome today's fourth and fifth graders into a brand new school building. Together with our faculty and staff, we hope to develop a positive, caring culture of student success, turning a brand new empty building into a real school!”

Nathan’s motto is “The secret of success is hard work coupled with a great attitude, more hard work, and an equal amount of gratitude!” He served in scouting and his church for many years. Nathan enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, kayaking and spending time with his family. He is married to Ginger, and they have four children.

Alison Hansen – Principal of the New Spring Canyon Middle School
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Alison Hansen as the Principal of the new Spring Canyon Middle School in Springville for Nebo School District starting in January 2021.

Currently, Alison is the Principal of Sage Creek Elementary and will serve there for four plus years. She also served as the district’s STEM grant facilitator. Alison was Principal of Brockbank Elementary for 10 years. She taught at Springville Middle School for eight years and started her career as a math and chemistry teacher at Spanish Fork High School.

Mrs. Hansen has received numerous awards including 2010 and 2013 Nebo District Elementary Innovator of the Year, 2011 Nebo District Elementary Rural Principal of the Year, and 2014 Nebo District Elementary Principal of the Year through the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. 

A colleague said, “Alison is an effective leader. She is a great listener and strives to help each child succeed in school. Students, teachers, and parents appreciate her positive attitude and ability to help students change negative behavior. Alison’s friendly personality makes her teachers and students feel important and successful. She is a life-long learner and committed to school-wide excellence.” 

Alison stated, “I think schools are amazingly wonderful places to spend each day.  When a teacher's passion and ingenuity engages a student's natural curiosity and desire to learn, it is magic. I am privileged to be a part of and witness magical moments every day. I am grateful for all the school communities I have been a part of and the support and examples of educators I rub shoulders with in Nebo District every day.”

Alison enjoys reading a good book, playing games with my family, skiing, or hanging out at the lake on a warm summer night with the children. She is married to David, and they have four children.

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