NewsAcademicsEnglish
Powell named academic dean
Dec 10, 2008 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Long-time faculty member and English Department Chairman David Powell will take on a new role as academic dean effective June 2009, announced Headmaster Tom Whitworth this morning during a full faculty meeting. The announcement was met with overwhelming applause.
“After interviewing and talking with many different people throughout the United States, I feel very fortunate to have had a candidate of David’s qualifications available to us right here on Darlington’s campus,” Whitworth said. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is the perfect choice for our school at this juncture. He’s a good listener; he’s intelligent, thoughtful and caring; and he has high standards that will make us all better.”
Powell will concentrate on designing, building, measuring and maintaining congruency between the school’s mission statement and all academic activities. As academic leader, he will oversee the development of curriculum for grades pre-K to 12; oversee all academic advising and counseling programs; monitor student academic progress; coordinate efforts of department heads and committees; observe, supervise and evaluate faculty members in the development and implementation of curriculum; and manage the hiring process PK-12.
“I am really, really anxious and excited to take on this role,” Powell said. “I have served Darlington in many different ways over the past 27 years, and there were times I thought I knew everything about this place. However, I stand before you today to say that there is a lot I don’t know, so you’ve got to help me. Together, we will make this school the best it can be.”
Powell has been a member of Darlington’s teaching staff since 1981, during which time he has taught English, AP English, Psychology, Bible, Acting and SAT Review. He has also served as a college adviser and a founding member of the Student Support Team. Powell has participated in four long-range planning processes for Darlington School, been a faculty representative on two Presidential Search Committees, and served as faculty coordinator for the SACS accreditation visit in 2001. He was also a member of SACS visitation teams for Stratford Academy in Macon, Ga., Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn., and McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Additionally, Powell has volunteered his expertise as an AP English Literature grader since 2002.
“I get great pleasure from watching a student who never thought of himself as a scholar get excited about an idea, or a student who thought herself below average discover she just did something smart, or an athlete or artist get a fire in the belly to do his or her best,” Powell said. “As a teacher, I work at finding the accessible challenge, the task which is just over the student’s head, but within reach of a stretch. A teacher works at creating a climate in which students feel safe making such a reach. When students discover they can do things they didn't know they could do, they take a step toward intellectual independence. Developing this independence should be an educator’s goal – to encourage students to think for and challenge themselves.”
During his tenure at Darlington, Powell has earned numerous honors and awards including the Thatcher Chair of English in 1992. He is a three-time STAR Teacher and has also received the Brown Award, the Athlene Forsyth Award, the Oscar Betts Master Teacher Award and the Parents Association Award. He holds a B.A. from Berry College, a M.Div. from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and a M.A. from Middlebury College.
Whitworth also announced that James Milford, director of student life, will take on many responsibilities formerly held by the director of Upper School so as not to add another layer of administration. Milford 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 also oversee the honor, wellness, counseling and discipline systems and serve as a resource for students, faculty and parents.
“After interviewing and talking with many different people throughout the United States, I feel very fortunate to have had a candidate of David’s qualifications available to us right here on Darlington’s campus,” Whitworth said. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is the perfect choice for our school at this juncture. He’s a good listener; he’s intelligent, thoughtful and caring; and he has high standards that will make us all better.”
Powell will concentrate on designing, building, measuring and maintaining congruency between the school’s mission statement and all academic activities. As academic leader, he will oversee the development of curriculum for grades pre-K to 12; oversee all academic advising and counseling programs; monitor student academic progress; coordinate efforts of department heads and committees; observe, supervise and evaluate faculty members in the development and implementation of curriculum; and manage the hiring process PK-12.
“I am really, really anxious and excited to take on this role,” Powell said. “I have served Darlington in many different ways over the past 27 years, and there were times I thought I knew everything about this place. However, I stand before you today to say that there is a lot I don’t know, so you’ve got to help me. Together, we will make this school the best it can be.”
Powell has been a member of Darlington’s teaching staff since 1981, during which time he has taught English, AP English, Psychology, Bible, Acting and SAT Review. He has also served as a college adviser and a founding member of the Student Support Team. Powell has participated in four long-range planning processes for Darlington School, been a faculty representative on two Presidential Search Committees, and served as faculty coordinator for the SACS accreditation visit in 2001. He was also a member of SACS visitation teams for Stratford Academy in Macon, Ga., Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn., and McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Additionally, Powell has volunteered his expertise as an AP English Literature grader since 2002.
“I get great pleasure from watching a student who never thought of himself as a scholar get excited about an idea, or a student who thought herself below average discover she just did something smart, or an athlete or artist get a fire in the belly to do his or her best,” Powell said. “As a teacher, I work at finding the accessible challenge, the task which is just over the student’s head, but within reach of a stretch. A teacher works at creating a climate in which students feel safe making such a reach. When students discover they can do things they didn't know they could do, they take a step toward intellectual independence. Developing this independence should be an educator’s goal – to encourage students to think for and challenge themselves.”
During his tenure at Darlington, Powell has earned numerous honors and awards including the Thatcher Chair of English in 1992. He is a three-time STAR Teacher and has also received the Brown Award, the Athlene Forsyth Award, the Oscar Betts Master Teacher Award and the Parents Association Award. He holds a B.A. from Berry College, a M.Div. from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and a M.A. from Middlebury College.
Whitworth also announced that James Milford, director of student life, will take on many responsibilities formerly held by the director of Upper School so as not to add another layer of administration. Milford 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 also oversee the honor, wellness, counseling and discipline systems and serve as a resource for students, faculty and parents.
