Head of School Search
An Important Message for the Holland Hall Community
October 26, 2010
Dear Holland Hall Family,
Rebecca and I are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join Holland Hall and to become enthusiastic participants in the Tulsa community. We have been humbled and honored by the gracious reception we have received from everyone we have met and by the Board’s confidence in my potential to lead one of our country’s finest independent schools. Holland Hall enjoys a sterling reputation among the nation’s independent schools, colleges, and universities, and I look forward to working with students, teachers, coaches, parents, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends to enhance the school’s already excellent programs. To lead Holland Hall is an enormous responsibility. There is much for me to learn. It is also an exhilarating opportunity. I will be asking for everyone’s ideas and support as we — working together as a community — embark on a dynamic new chapter for our school.
Perhaps the highest compliment I can offer regarding the quality of a Holland Hall education is that Rebecca and I believe the school is ideal for our three children, Luke, Kate, and Will. Rebecca and I have visited a number of outstanding independent schools across the country in recent months. We have been searching for a warm, giving community that embraces the whole child, a school with first class academics, athletics, and arts. We were eager to find a school that values both head and heart and pursues excellence in every dimension, including the development of character. We were looking for skilled, caring teachers to prepare our children for a challenging new century. We want our children to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, ethical, compassionate leaders, and thoughtful, confident communicators. It is clear to us that Holland Hall students and alumni demonstrate all of these gifts, and many more.
I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Holland Hall Search Committee that was ably led by co-chairs Keith Goddard ’87 and Liz Hagans. Board Chair and Search Committee member Phil Allen ’73 was especially helpful and supportive, even as we texted each other throughout Friday night’s come-from-behind football victory over St. John’s! I would be remiss if I did not mention Geoffrey Butler’s insight and helpfulness — he is an independent school sage. Without question, the entire search process was handled with professionalism, grace, and integrity. Rebecca and I are as impressed by the Board of Trustees as we are by the students, faculty, staff, and parents. Holland Hall is firing on all cylinders. And yet, as I hear enthusiastically from everyone, there is important work to be done, because a great school does not rest. I look forward to getting started!
Go Dutch!
Sincerely,
John D. Marshall
October 26, 2010
Dear Members of the Holland Hall Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee, we are pleased to announce that John Dodds Marshall has agreed to become the 17th Head of School, commencing in July 2011. John is currently the head of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, Georgia. RGNS is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 6 through 12.
While we have posted John’s biographical information on the Holland Hall website, we would like to share some additional facts and observations. John has an excellent and diverse academic background with a B.A. in History from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MBA from Fuqua School of Business, Duke University and a M.Ed. in Education Administration, Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. The breadth of his education and skill set make him an excellent person to lead our complex school. John’s style of leadership is collaborative and inclusive. He comes from a family of educators and understands the value of independent education. John and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Marshall, have three children, ages two, four, and six. Rebecca is a neuropsychologist and successful professional.
The Search Committee and the Board of Trustees would like to extend their gratitude to all the students, parents, faculty, and staff who participated in this search process. It was an extensive, thorough, and a time-consuming effort. We are confident that in the end, a leader has been chosen who will maintain the excellence and traditions important to our community and will help lead the school to an even brighter and exciting future.
Between now and when the Marshalls join us, will we continue to benefit from the leadership of Interim Head Geoffrey Butler. His wise council and insight will set the stage for a smooth and efficient transition. Be assured that John and Geoffrey will work together to do all they can to make Holland Hall a truly great institution.
In the coming months when John and Rebecca visit, please extend a warm welcome to them. We are fortunate that they have decided to join us.
Go Dutch!
Sincerely,
| Philip B. Allen ’73 Chair, Board of Trustees |
Keith C. Goddard ’87 Co-Chair, Search Committee |
Elizabeth G. Hagans Co-Chair, Search Committee |
