Alex Archambault ’14:
Scholium:What are your feelings about Episcopal getting a new head of upper school and a new head of school in the same year?
Dinkins: EA has an impressive, storied history of excellence-in academics, teaching, athletics, service, leadership, you name it. The school occupies a special place in the minds and hearts of so very many. It’s incredibly clear that people are deeply invested in EA, in every sense imaginable. Everyone wants to see EA continue to thrive. Under the strong leadership of Ham Clark and Geoff Wagg, EA has been a leader in independent school excellence. They have done a magnificent job in their respective roles as head of school and head of upper school. Anyone who visits the campus can instantly see the impact of their stewardship.
It’s an exciting time for EA with a new head of school and a new head of upper school coming in together next school year, in just a few months. At the same time, though, people may feel a little unsure about what the future holds. I imagine this is something we all face in times of change. Plainly speaking, this is natural. One thing I know for sure, though, is that Dr. Locke and I are incredibly thrilled to join EA. I think you’ll see rather quickly that we share your enthusiasm for EA. We believe firmly in its mission, and we are committed to its tradition of excellence.
Scholium: Are there any adjustments you are looking to make to the EA community and what traditions or aspects do you wish to preserve?
Dinkins: I appreciate the question, which is probably on the minds of many. I don’t have any preconceived ideas for what should stay and what should go. Not at all. I have great respect for what EA is and for what it has accomplished over many, many years.
My plan is to learn as much as I can about the school community-its remarkable heritage, its compelling story. As I have said to others who have asked, I want to listen to the ideas and perspectives of students, faculty, parents, alums, and staff. Along the way I hope to develop a richer understanding of any immediate and long-term opportunities and challenges as well as hopes and aspirations of the community.
Scholium: Are you excited to join the EA-Haverford-Agnes Irwin rivalry? Does your current school have any rivalries that parallel?
Dinkins: I am so looking forward to Episcopal-Haverford-Agnes Irwin rivalry and to the Weekend. I’ve read a lot about the rivalry and I’ve heard even more.
Conestoga’s rival is generally Radnor, but it kind of varies a little by sport. (Back when I was coaching track my athletes thought of our rivalry as Lower Merion and Strath Haven, in large part because they were good!) People at Conestoga do get geared up for big games against Radnor, particularly in football and basketball. There are pep rallies, spirit days and the like. But I don’t think it has quite the same punch as the Episcopal-Haverford-Agnes Irwin rivalry. It’s such a huge, celebrated part of school life at EA. It’s an institution.
Scholium: J-term is a topic of controversy, with opinions on both ends of the spectrum. Some students and faculty find it a great opportunity to explore new fields of learning, while others would rather take midterms. What are your thoughts on J-term? Do you see longevity in the program if it is “successful” next year.
Dinkins: Over the past few years, I have visited many colleges and universities with my family: large and public, small and private, and everything in-between. One thing was enormously clear: the best colleges continue to seek students who are interested, committed learners with a knack for thinking and writing clearly, asking difficult questions, making thoughtful use of evidence, generating well-reasoned opinions, etc. They want students with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to understand and act creatively and innovatively on issues, be they global in scope or local in scale. Like the current educational program, J-term seems to have been designed, at least in part, with this all in mind. Providing students with an additional opportunity to delve into subject matter that is of intellectual significance, of enormous interest or of personal value-outside the traditional academic terms-is quite an investment and innovative in its own right. It will be another distinctive feature of EA’s program.
I look forward to seeing J-term in action and learning from it. What we learn will be invaluable in helping provide the best possible experience for EA students.
Scholium: Are you excited to come to EA?
Dinkins: Yes, of course! Who wouldn’t be? It’s an amazing place, a place where just about anything is possible. I have spent 18 wonderful years in where I am now in many different jobs, and I am ready to start a new chapter of my professional life at EA. I am so very proud to call EA my new home. I’ve been beaming with pride for months now, and I can’t wait to settle in. I am humbled by the invitation to join the community, and I know we will have great times but, chances are, challenging ones, too. That’s simply the nature of school. We will celebrate together, persist together, and grow together. After all, that’s what it’s all about.