Interim Principal Spencer Hannah Joins Spring Valley Academy

Story by Angela Peach

Spring Valley Academy (SVA) is pleased to welcome Spencer Hannah as the 2023–24 interim principal. With Darren Wilkins accepting the position of vice president for Student Life at Walla Walla University (Wash.) after 10 years as principal, the Board of Trustees faced the nearly impossible task of replacing him. But with Hannah retiring from College View Academy in Lincoln, Neb., in June, God led the board to offer him to fill the position.

“God’s timing is perfect,” says Ron Connovich, Board of Trustees chair. “We had faith that He would guide our search process, and Spencer is the right person to lead the school as we continue to navigate this transition.”

With more than 42 years of Seventh-day Adventist education, Hannah brings a wealth of experience with him to SVA. In 1981, he received
a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) in Takoma Park, Md. He went on to earn a Master of Educational Administration degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1991.

Hannah has served as a high school math teacher and eventually as principal at Adventist schools across the nation, including Pennsylvania Conference’s Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, and Potomac Conference’s Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va.

While his experience in educational adminis- tration and teaching will be an immediate asset to SVA, his most important qualification is his belief that leading students to a personal relationship with Jesus and teaching them to know, follow and share Him is the most important work God has given to the teachers and staff of the school.

Hannah was raised in northern Ohio and attended Ohio Conference’s Mount Vernon Academy. His wife, Eva, of 45 years, also has family ties in Ohio; her late mother was a member of the Centerville church for many years. The couple has two adult children and enjoy hiking in nature, playing board games and traveling.

They say, “We are both excited to join the team at SVA and return to our roots in Ohio!”