O'Neal Welcomes New Head of Upper School and Director of College Counseling
The O’Neal School welcomes Head of Upper School Sandy Boyd and Director of College Counseling Danielle Tanner, both starting July 1, 2024.
Mr. Boyd is currently head of upper school for The Salisbury School in Wicomico, MD. Before relocating to Maryland, Boyd served as assistant principal and the dean of students at the Key School at Carolina Day School in Asheville. Preceding his role in administration, he served as the school counselor at Carolina Day for many years.
“I am excited to join the O'Neal community and continue the traditions of high-quality academics, physical well-being, and the development of integrity, self-discipline, and consideration for others,” says Boyd. “My family and I look forward to being active members of the Southern Pines community and can't wait to be back in the Carolinas.”
During his career, Boyd designed and implemented a freshman seminar class, taught social and emotional learning, led student experiential trips, and helped to start an international student program. In addition, he served as part of the planning group to start an annual diversity conference for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS).
Boyd received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, followed by a master’s degree in community counseling from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
Danielle Tanner comes to O’Neal after serving as associate director for college counseling at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC. Before joining St. Mary’s, Tanner served one year as head of advising, exams coordinator, and college counselor at Windsor School in Nassau, The Bahamas. Before joining Windsor School, she was the international student coordinator and college counselor for Christchurch School in Saluda, Va.
Ms. Tanner shares, "I am so excited to join the community as the director of college counseling. I am passionate about helping students achieve their post-secondary goals and am looking forward to inspiring curiosity, confidence, and independence in the students of O'Neal."
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Tanner earned an M.Ed. from Arizona State in global education.
Ms. Tanner is versed in guiding upperclassmen through the college application process. She has served as the NCAA Coordinator to ensure that all student-athletes remain NCAA eligible. Through her years in college counseling, Tanner has built and maintained relationships with college admissions representatives across the nation and abroad.
Interim Head of School Brenda Jackson states, “We are excited that Sandy and Danielle will join the O’Neal community in a few months. These well-qualified professionals will complement a strong faculty and administrative staff already in place allowing us to further serve our current and rising upper school students. We look forward to introducing Sandy and Danielle to students and parents.”
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