AMHERST — Diego Sharon, dean of students at Amherst Regional Middle School, will begin his tenure as the school’s new principal on July 1.

On Thursday, Superintendent Michael Morris named Sharon to the position, following a national search and positive feedback from the school community.

Sharon, one of three finalists to become the first permanent principal at the school in four years, has a 25-year career as an educator that has focused on social equity and student-centered learning.