Dan P. Herron, born on January 30, 1928, dedicated his professional life to education and athletics, accumulating remarkable achievements until his death on June 12, 2003. His career was marked by a steadfast commitment to enhancing student life and promoting sports within schools. In recognition of his considerable contributions, Herron was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2008, categorizing him within the esteemed 'Administrator' bracket.

Herron's journey as an educator and administrator spanned 35 years, during which he helmed three distinct schools across Tennessee. His tenure began at Gordonsville High School from 1956 to 1958 before moving to Central High School in Fayetteville, where he served from 1958 to 1963. The longest part of his career was at Gallatin High School, from 1963 until his retirement in 1991. Throughout these years, Herron was not just an administrator but a leader who sought to create opportunities for academic and athletic excellence.

His leadership extended beyond school premises; he was actively involved in various educational associations, serving as President for the Lincoln County Education Association, the Sumner County Education Association, and the Middle Tennessee Education Association. Herron was also the Chairman of the Middle Tennessee Principal’s Study Council and represented on the National Foreign Policy Leadership Council/Secondary Education in Washington, D.C., being selected for this role by then-Governor Lamar Alexander.

A notable aspect of Herron's service was his partnership with the Gallatin Rotary Club in 1964, an initiative aimed at honoring Top 30 graduating seniors annually. Under his stewardship, Gallatin High School clinched five TSSAA State Championships across different sports categories, showcasing his effective leadership in fostering sports excellence. His efforts were acknowledged with a TSSAA Distinguished Service Award, celebrating his impactful career. Furthermore, Herron's tenure saw Gallatin High School being recognized among the Top Five High Schools in the state, a testament to his dedication to excellence in education and athletics.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2008
Category: Administrator