Darrell W. Self will begin duties as the new headmaster of Lowndes Academy on June 1 and Chuck Insinga, former headmaster of Lowndes Academy, will begin duties as the new executive director of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) on July 1.

The Lowndes Academy Board of Trustees announced on Monday, April 23 that it completed the hiring process and that Self was introduced to the Foundation members at the annual Board and Foundation Meeting.

According to the trustees, Self’s “reputation as a man of character, loyalty, and integrity precede him. Lowndes Academy is extremely excited for him to begin his tenure as our new leader. His background in education and administration is deeply rooted in several Alabama Independent School Association schools.”

Self was a basketball coach whose teams completed for and won state championships.

He served as director of guidance for Hooper Academy from 1999-2005 before becoming athletic director of the AISA in 2005.

In 2007 he began serving as dean of instruction for Morgan Academy where he remained until 2010. He entered the private job market operating a commercial property and will assume his position as headmaster of Lowndes Academy on June 1.

“I’m real excited it about it,” said Self of his new position. “I’ve known about Lowndes. I’ve always thought it was an outstanding school and I’m looking forward to working in the capacity of headmaster.”

He said he was looking forward to helping Lowndes “grow and continue to be a great academic school.”

While Self has a background in coaching, he said he would not be involved in that at Lowndes, but would be “actively supporting all the programs that Lowndes has and helping with any aspect of the athletic program I can.”

When asked if he had anything to say to the people of Lowndes County, Self was quick to promote his new school.

“I would like anyone considering changing schools or looking for a school, if they are not already at Lowndes Academy, I would love to visit with them and be glad to talk with them and show them what we have to offer,” he said. “We’ve got exciting things coming to Lowndes with out new Technology Department, and I would love if someone is looking for a different school or a different situation I would love the meet with them and just call the school office and set up a time to meet with me.”

According to the AISA, Insinga has completed over 30 years in education serving as a teacher and administrator.

He retired from public school as Pintlala Elementary School principal in 2003 and served as the AISA Academics Program Director for four years. He served as the headmaster at Lowndes Academy since 2007.

AISA Executive Director Don Oswald is retiring after serving the AISA as Academic Programs Director and Executive Director for the past twelve years.

The Signal was unable to reach Insinga for comment about his new position.