Rockingham County Schools announces Wendy Southard as the next Principal at Dillard Academy
Mrs. Wendy Southard was born and raised in Eden, North Carolina, and has lived the last 14 years in Madison. She is a proud alumna of Morehead High School. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Rockingham Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Greensboro College, and a Master’s in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University. Additionally, she holds an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration from Capella University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree with completion in the fall.
Mrs. Southard’s career in education has spanned various roles and responsibilities. She previously worked as a rehabilitation therapist assistant at the Rockingham County Enrichment Center and served as Co-Director and lead teacher of the Reidsville High School Child Development Center before beginning her teaching career. Her classroom experience includes teaching second and third grades, as well as sixth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies. In 2012, she was honored as the Rockingham County Schools District Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Southard has served as an assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, bringing leadership experience to her current role as Principal of Central Elementary School.
She is married to her husband, Vance, who is an employee of Rockingham County Schools Maintenance department. Together, they have two adult children: Mary, a local nurse, and Dallas, a North Carolina State Trooper. Mrs. Southard is also a proud grandmother of five.
As Principal of Dillard Academy, Mrs. Southard will be committed to empowering students to achieve their personal best. Her goal is to instill hope, confidence, and a desire for success—not only academically, but socially and emotionally. “I want my students to feel safe, loved, and to experience true compassion,” she shared. Mrs. Southard looks forward to building strong partnerships with Dillard Academy families and the greater community.