NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/Staff
Hight named acting director of Upper School
May 4, 2009 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Headmaster Tom Whitworth has announced that Gordon Hight (’94), dean of students and faculty member in the history department, will take on the role of acting director of Upper School effective June 2009.
“At this time, we couldn’t be more fortunate than to be able to hire someone from within who already has a deep understanding of our school culture and who has worked to frame that culture during the past year,” Whitworth said. “Gordon is a tremendous role model for young men and women, and he embodies the aspect of our mission that calls for acting with courage and conviction, practicing ethical leadership and exhibiting honorable character. I am thrilled that he will be taking on this leadership role.”
Hight will be focused on the culture and vision for the Upper School community, and will be primarily responsible for communicating this vision to all internal and external constituencies in order to help students mature and become responsible and productive members of the community. He will coordinate and facilitate all Upper School programs; oversee the honor, wellness, counseling and discipline systems; and serve as a resource for students, faculty and parents. He will also partner with David Powell, incoming academic dean, to promote academic excellence, effectiveness and efficiency in the Upper School’s faculty and academic programs.
“Our school is rooted in the principles of wisdom, service and honor – the embracement of which have time and time again proven to reveal good character in our community,” Hight said. “Darlington is about people, particularly the relationships and memories that are created and beckon back those who have been a part of the Darlington fabric. Continuing that focus on meaningful relationships among faculty, students and parents is vital to the development of young people who value sound character and seek a service-minded orientation. As we move into our second century, we are faced with new challenges, both economic and social, and leadership and execution are critical for Darlington to continue its high level of success and become the school we dream it can be.”
Hight holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a M.B.A. from the University of Georgia. He returned to Darlington this year after spending the past three years at Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, as assistant to the dean of students, chairman of the history department and head coach of two varsity athletic teams. He taught history, government and economics at Darlington from 2002-2005, in addition to serving terms as director of student activities and director of summer programs. Prior to that, he was assistant coach of the boys’ lacrosse team, helping lead them to a state championship title in 1999.
“My time at Wellington was key to my growth as an educator, affording me a number of administrative opportunities and interactions with students, parents and faculty to bring about positive outcomes to the inevitable problems that arise in dealing with young adults,” Hight said. “Being in a place where I had no previous ties was a wonderful experience that encouraged me to learn, grow, experiment and really develop my educational approach. I’m thrilled to be able to bring that back to Darlington. My love for this place runs deep, and quite honestly, this community is like family to me. Continuing the great work of Dr. Mark Carleton in leading, developing and hopefully inspiring the students who come through our school is a powerful opportunity and one I’m whole-heartedly committed to doing as well as I can.”
“At this time, we couldn’t be more fortunate than to be able to hire someone from within who already has a deep understanding of our school culture and who has worked to frame that culture during the past year,” Whitworth said. “Gordon is a tremendous role model for young men and women, and he embodies the aspect of our mission that calls for acting with courage and conviction, practicing ethical leadership and exhibiting honorable character. I am thrilled that he will be taking on this leadership role.”
Hight will be focused on the culture and vision for the Upper School community, and will be primarily responsible for communicating this vision to all internal and external constituencies in order to help students mature and become responsible and productive members of the community. He will coordinate and facilitate all Upper School programs; oversee the honor, wellness, counseling and discipline systems; and serve as a resource for students, faculty and parents. He will also partner with David Powell, incoming academic dean, to promote academic excellence, effectiveness and efficiency in the Upper School’s faculty and academic programs.
“Our school is rooted in the principles of wisdom, service and honor – the embracement of which have time and time again proven to reveal good character in our community,” Hight said. “Darlington is about people, particularly the relationships and memories that are created and beckon back those who have been a part of the Darlington fabric. Continuing that focus on meaningful relationships among faculty, students and parents is vital to the development of young people who value sound character and seek a service-minded orientation. As we move into our second century, we are faced with new challenges, both economic and social, and leadership and execution are critical for Darlington to continue its high level of success and become the school we dream it can be.”
Hight holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a M.B.A. from the University of Georgia. He returned to Darlington this year after spending the past three years at Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, as assistant to the dean of students, chairman of the history department and head coach of two varsity athletic teams. He taught history, government and economics at Darlington from 2002-2005, in addition to serving terms as director of student activities and director of summer programs. Prior to that, he was assistant coach of the boys’ lacrosse team, helping lead them to a state championship title in 1999.
“My time at Wellington was key to my growth as an educator, affording me a number of administrative opportunities and interactions with students, parents and faculty to bring about positive outcomes to the inevitable problems that arise in dealing with young adults,” Hight said. “Being in a place where I had no previous ties was a wonderful experience that encouraged me to learn, grow, experiment and really develop my educational approach. I’m thrilled to be able to bring that back to Darlington. My love for this place runs deep, and quite honestly, this community is like family to me. Continuing the great work of Dr. Mark Carleton in leading, developing and hopefully inspiring the students who come through our school is a powerful opportunity and one I’m whole-heartedly committed to doing as well as I can.”
