sch academy announces new head of school
Dr. Delvin M. Dinkins The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Delvin M. Dinkins to succeed Dr. Stephen L. Druggan as the next head of school, effective July 2022. Dr. Dinkins brings an impressive portfolio of skills and knowledge to this position, as well as an educational philosophy that closely parallels the values and mission of SCH. He embodies the strengths and character we were seeking in our next head, as well as the leadership experience to take SCH forward.
The Head of School Search Committee was tasked with identifying an accomplished and aspirational leader, a strategic thinker, collaborative team-builder, and skillful communicator and manager who will take an active role in advancing the school’s organizational and operational goals. In Dr. Dinkins, SCH has found an inspiring and thoughtful leader. He possesses a strong theoretical as well as practical academic knowledge, supported by multiple degrees, including an Ed.D. in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in educational studies from the University of Michigan. His career spans both public and private elementary and secondary school arenas, and his responsibilities have encompassed academic, supervisory, and administrative functions. Dr. Dinkins currently serves as assistant head at the Pingry School in New Jersey where he has had responsibility for overseeing implementation of the school’s strategic plan, supervising key academic and administrative functions, and designing and implementing a new flexible learning model with its attendant faculty professional development plan. He is a teacher of English and stays closely tied to his students as a grade advisor and mentor. During the challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Dinkins was instrumental in effecting Pingry’s swift transition to remote learning and implementing a community well-being program to support students and faculty. Following the revelations of the school’s black alumni last summer, Dr. Dinkins played a central role in leading the school community and its alumni through a healing and reconnection process. Before Pingry, Dr. Dinkins served as head of upper school at Episcopal Academy (EA) where he had responsibility, among other things, for modernizing and implementing a new master schedule. Before EA, Dr. Dinkins spent 18 years in the Tredyffrin/Eastown School District serving in various capacities from teacher to elementary school principal and curriculum supervisor for the district. Dr. Dinkins’ thoughtful style of leadership is characterized by a collaborative and inclusive approach. He has described himself as a “bridge builder, bringing people together and cultivating well-being.” At his core, he believes in the “potential of people to do great things and the promise of school to change lives.” The SCH community’s enthusiastic response to Dr. Dinkins during his visit, coupled with the full support of the Head of School Search Commitee, has led to his unanimous endorsement by the board as our school’s next head of school.
Dr. Dinkins, left, with board chair Patrick Lindsay on Dinkins’ visit to the school in May.
The Board of Trustees would like to thank everyone who participated in the search process and provided important feedback. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Dinkins, his wife, Davirah, and their two children, Bria (21) and Delvin (25), to the SCH community in July 2022. Over the next year, there will be many opportunities for the SCH community to meet them and get to know our new head of school. Sincerely, Patrick Lindsay P’19, P’23 Chair, SCH Board of Trustees
Tim Levin P’22, P’24, P’26 Nadine Badger Stevenson ‘90, P’24, P’27 Mims Maynard Zabriskie P’06, P’13, P’16 Search Committee Chairs
~ “I am both honored and humbled to join the Springside Chestnut Hill community. What drew me to SCH is what has likely drawn others as well— its story of tradition and innovation, its temperament of resolve and purpose, and the opportunity to join a considerate community where lives are changed for a better world. It is a place that sharpens minds, soften hearts, and illuminates principles, laying the foundation for a meaningful life of impact. Simply put, SCH centers community.” ~ Dr. Dinkins
For Dr. Dinkins’ full resumé and career highlights, please visit sch.org/incominghead.
the sch community response
“Delvin posesses so many great attributes. He is able to speak to the nuances of diversity and the importance of building community while being a top-notch educator. ... What I liked best about him was his ability to reframe questions in a way that asks the best of us as educators.” ~ Department Chair
”Delvin exhibited strength, intelligence, and poise, alongside warmth, humor, and kindness... He has a strong sense of ethics and purpose which was clear in his answers. ... Delvin clearly is a fair, sensible, and relationship oriented leader, and I think he would make an excellent choice for HOS.” ~ SCH Parent
“Delvin definitely feels that the history of our two schools is important to honor and embrace. His values strongly align with our mission.” ~ Alumni Association Member
“Immediately engaging, poised, articulate, and genuine, Delvin is the kind of person you can connect to immediately but who also has a large presence in the room, which I believe should be the case for a head of school..” ~ Faculty Member
“Dr. Dinkins has the acumen to lead our community with poise and distinction. I believe he was able to demonstrate through his years of experience the ability to bring a fresh perspective to the priorities that our community currently faces, now and in the future. He is well-versed and well-read in the best practices of the industry and has a genuine heart for wanting the best for all students.” ~ Diversity Leadership Team Member
springside chestnut hill academy
500 West Willow Grove Avenue Philadelphia, Pa 19118