The North Delta School Board of Directors has hired veteran administrator Tommy Gunn to serve as headmaster following the departure of John Howell Jr., who had served nine years in that capacity.
Gunn brings a record of success and experience and is recognized by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) as one of its statewide leaders. Gunn currently serves on the MAIS Executive Board of Directors representing North Delta’s district.
“Our school board is excited to have Tommy Gunn leading the school because of his commitment to Christian-based education and commitment to encouraging and building up our students,” said board chairman Dr. Stephen Sullivan. “In addition to looking for a leader who embraces the platform we have in Christian education, we were also looking for an administrator who champions academic excellence and who has tried-and-true experience. Headmaster Gunn matched up with all of the points our board was looking for.”
Gunn officially begins on July 1. Howell at that time will be joining the ministry staff of First Baptist Church in Batesville, where he will serve as associate pastor.  
Gunn said he was very eager to begin his new position.
“North Delta School has earned a strong reputation in the MAIS in all areas of school life,” he said. “The school has positioned itself as a strong college preparatory school with an outstanding faculty. Our students are recording impressive ACT averages and doing great things in college and in life, so I am thrilled to become a part of this school family.”
Gunn began his career at Canton Academy in 1973. Gunn in 1979 became headmaster at Marshall Academy, becoming the youngest person to hold such a position in the MAIS.
Gunn served as headmaster of Delta Academy from 1982-1986, Fayette Academy from 1986-1998, Lee Academy from 1998-2003.
 In 2003 he returned to Marshall Academy, serving at that post until moving to lead Heritage Academy in 2006. Gunn most recently served as headmaster of Lee Academy prior to being selected as North Delta’s headmaster.
He has served in numerous capacities within the MAIS, among them being Academies Activities Commission President and a board member for the teacher certification committee.
Gunn has received the MAIS Joe Shepherd Memorial Award and the Joe B. Bradshaw Service Award, two of the highest honors bestowed by the MAIS.
Gunn received his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University and Masters of Educational Administration from the University of Mississippi.
His wife, Betsy, is also a school administrator. The Gunns have one daughter, Paige Lucka (married to Eric) and two grandchildren, Emma Kathryn, age 5, and Curtis Dean, 2.