Tributes to McCallie School Headmaster Kirk Walker '69

With Our Compliments Selected alumni, colleagues and friends have submitted tributes in honor of Dr. Walker’s retirement.

For over two years after Spencer announced his upcoming retirement, I worried that there just wouldn’t be someone out there who would have the skills to carry the school successfully into the future. Even more, since Spencer’s name was on it, I was concerned that that there just wouldn’t be anyone who would love the school the way I have loved it since 1961 when I first walked its dark wooden halls.

Fortunately for me and for McCallie and for thousands of alumni, the Trustees had a clear vision AND a deep love for our school. As you took the reins, I quickly realized that other divine forces had taken over the search process.

For all these years with you at the helm, I simply cannot imagine having worked for a more supportive, endearing, and professional head of our beloved McCallie.

I was three years ahead of Kirk at McCallie, but he graduated from Chapel Hill ahead of me; he was smart and managed to figure out where UNC’s classrooms were long before I did. We were Trustees together in the mid-1990s, and I was a member of the search committee when Spencer retired. That committee made two especially good decisions: first, we convinced Kirk to resign from the Board and submit his name as candidate for Headmaster, and second, we hired him! Gosh, that seems like yesterday. I’m looking out my office building window at the campus on the Ridge; he inherited a very stable place and improved/expanded it: a dining hall, two dormitories, a tennis center. Kirk has a lovely management style: he’s a quiet, determined, thoughtful, collaborative “builder,” and sneaky-competitive.

I’m grateful for his leadership these past years. I will miss him. Yet, as is the McCallie tradition, he is leaving Lee with a stable foundation to continue to develop boys as the mission of our school.

L. Hardwick Caldwell III ’66 (Board Chair, 2010-2013)

You always had time for me, and you never turned away any perspective or idea that I had to offer a McCallie conversation. Increasingly, every year I learned to trust your judgment with less questioning. And somehow, some way, you always made the decisions that strengthened the school “Dr. Walker has dedicated his life to ensuring young people and empowered us in the mission that has served McCallie are prepared for the future, and his guidance and leadership so well. at McCallie over the past 15 years has touched countless lives. I thank him for his years of service and wish him and his wife, Patsi, all the best in his retirement.”

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from you is that it is U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, former Chattanooga Mayor usually better to take an understated, quiet, sometimes abbreviated approach to management. Indeed, working with you over the years gave me a deeper appreciation for Teddy Roosevelt’s advice to “walk softly and carry a big As a classmate (Class of ’69), friend, alumnus and fellow stick.” You did that in spades, and I was truly blessed to Board member operating under Kirk’s guidance during his learn from a master. For that and for your love of McCallie tenure as Headmaster, I have, I believe, a unique window and me, I am deeply, deeply grateful. into Kirk’s personality, intellect and outstanding leadership skills. Remarkably, they haven’t changed a great deal in Thank you for a job very well done! the 50 years we have known each other. As valedictorian of our class, Morehead Scholar and accomplished Ph.D., he is Curtis Baggett ’65 typically the best mind in the room. From study hall hours in the old canteen (Maclellan Hall back then) reviewing algebra or calculus homework to difficult Board meetings I join the thousands of other members of the McCallie with opinionated trustees, he always seemed to arrive at the community in saluting Dr. Walker for his remarkable correct answer with a deft consideration of all the options service and leadership at McCallie. He has strengthened without maligning those of us who were operating at a the curriculum, programs, facilities and finances while different level. staying true to our mission and great traditions. He has led our school with vision, courage and a steady hand Kirk has been described as the first person appointed Head during challenging and dynamic times, and the strength of School outside of the McCallie family. But, Kirk has and character of the school are the fruits of his hard work, always been part of the McCallie family because the family thoughtful leadership, and splendid character. He’s led as a today extends well beyond our founding patriarchs. He servant, with humility, grace, a genuine concern for others, epitomizes all that McCallie is and more importantly, all and an abiding love for McCallie. Future generations of that a McCallie man aspires to be. Honor, Truth and Duty, McCallie boys and men will owe him a debt a gratitude for the essence of our character, are but a subset of all that he the many ways he led and shaped our school. embodies. The integrity that guides his life and purpose is Lee Burns ’87, Incoming Headmaster balanced with a sense of humor and dry wit that puts all

those around him at ease. His sense of adventure and funloving demeanor matched my own at McCallie and together we explored both. I, and we, are fortunate to have shared our lives and careers with him, and I for one look forward to spending many more years together.

Bob Cotter ’69 (Trustee, 2006-2012)

In 1999, when it came time for McCallie School to transition to its first Headmaster who would not have the last name of “McCallie,” the advice we received from almost every corner was to name an interim Head and to let some time go by following such a successful period in the school’s history. Even knowing that it would be a daunting task for the new Head to assume his responsibilities under such circumstances, the Board made a deliberate decision to move ahead with recruiting a new Head of School. We thought McCallie would attract top-notch candidates and, indeed, it did. The “hard part” of the search would be to get the “heart part” right --- to find a top notch candidate who instinctively shared McCallie’s values and its enduring mission.

In Kirk Walker, McCallie hit the jackpot! With his strong abilities and judgment, his incredible work ethic and impeccable character, the entire school community united almost instantaneously under his leadership, making a seamless transition out of what could have turned out quite differently. And to say that McCallie has moved upward and onward since Dr. Walker stepped foot on campus as Headmaster would be a gross understatement. In fact, the smooth transition led and enabled by Dr. Walker may likely go down in school history as one of McCallie’s finest hours.

Different name --- same heart.

I have been on and off McCallie’s Board of Trustees since 1989, and I have worked with Kirk Walker most of this time as a fellow trustee, board member and now Board Chair.

When Kirk accepted the offer to lead McCallie into the 21st Century, his tenure followed 90 years under the legendary guidance of the McCallie family. The pressure and expectations of such a transition would be difficult for anyone, yet Kirk managed to keep the school on the right path and build upon a foundation that values educating the whole boy. It is my firm belief that no one could have stepped in under those circumstances and accomplished what Kirk has managed in his 15 years on the Ridge.

During Kirk’s tenure as Headmaster, he has been confronted with all the challenges you would expect: motivating faculty and staff, building the endowment and maintaining a full enrollment to mention a few. Kirk also dealt with some unexpected challenges including the Great Recession that put financial pressure on our families, stagnated our alumni giving and endowment corpus and idled faculty compensation.

Regardless of these challenges, Kirk never once waivered or lost his sense of mission. When asked about it, Kirk shrugs and offers in his lighthearted way, “What else are you going to do?” Kirk’s calm and measured demeanor, his quiet but assured insights, his ability to grasp the many complexities of the job and school, gave McCallie the leader it needed.

Kirk was the right man at the right time and his impact on the school will be valued for generations.

Elliott Davenport ’78 (Board Chair, 2013-2015)

I’ve thought a lot about the past 15 years and my I once heard Kirk describe to a group of parents what interactions with Dr. Walker. He began his headmastership “character development” at McCallie means. He said the same year that we moved into the new middle school that character development has many facets: it means building and added the 6th grade. So, needless to say, it developing an uncommon work ethic, pursuing excellence, was a busy time for all of us in the middle school. and leading a life of personal honor and integrity; it means valuing the dignity of every person; it means being responsible and accountable for one’s actions; it means The first problem that we encountered was that the manifesting a concern for others and sacrificing to do so; building had not been officially cleared by the fire marshal it means developing servant leadership skills --- inspiring for occupancy. Dr. Walker and others were able to get a others to participate, persuading them of just causes, and provisional clearance so that we could at least register if we helping them achieve worthy goals. And today, as I look stayed out of the main building. This allowed us additional back, I cannot think of a better description of Kirk Walker time to gain the approval of the fire marshal. himself. He is a man of character. He is a man of McCallie.

There are many milestones and accomplishments under Dr. Walker’s tenure which should and will be recited at a time such as this; but perhaps the most important and enduring part of his rich legacy is that he enabled McCallie to look at itself with a critical eye and ask itself how it should raise the bar, how it could improve, how it could make this an even richer experience for boys, all while holding true to the mission and deeply-rooted values of what it means to be McCallie School.

Because of Kirk Walker’s time at McCallie, we are able to say that McCallie’s best days are still ahead. We are deeply grateful to you, Dr. Walker, for that most valued gift.

Hal Daughdrill ’73 (Board Chair, 2000-2005)

From this beginning, I came to understand that Dr. Walker did not panic when things might appear to be headed south.

He has always been a voice of calm and of reassurance that problems could be solved and things would get done if we steered the course thoughtfully and with patience.

A second attribute that I have observed is that he is often a man of few words. I think he realizes that saying too much may only make things worse. I’ve experienced this on numerous occasions when parents, teachers or even I became upset at something. Often his reply was, “Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll keep them in mind.”

Finally, it’s been apparent to me since the beginning

that Kirk is a kind and compassionate person. Personally, I’ve experienced his concern and empathy on numerous occasions. In addition to my personal interactions with him, I have often seen him working behind the scenes without caring to be recognized. I think it is fitting that the new science building will bear his name.

Kirk was the right person to steer the school into the new century. He was the right man to transition from the McCallie family. It has been a pleasure to work with him.

Lynn Goss, Middle School Head

The parents of Dr. Kirk Walker were legendary public servants. Their record of community leadership and achievement was unquestionably a tough act to follow.

With that as a challenge, Kirk rose to the occasion and established his own benchmarks of excellence. His latest (and probably not his last) position of service to Chattanooga – as Headmaster of The McCallie School – has shown that even those iconic community institutions that are already among the nation’s best still can be even better with good stewardship. As we say in the South, “He made his parents proud.” Congratulations on a great life and career.

Ron Littlefield (former Chattanooga Mayor, 2005-2013)

All McCallie alumni have good reason to be appreciative of Kirk Walker’s good work, but I have personal reasons that deepen my debt to him. I have known hundreds of Heads of very good schools during my decades in several headmaster associations and as a board member of four independent school associations. Occasionally, there was a consensus that the long term good work of one Head had been diminished by his or her successor, to the great regret of the alumni and to the dismay of the retired Headmaster.

I have had the great pleasure of seeing McCallie prosper in every way under Kirk and his Board of Trustees. I have enjoyed hearing about progress and new programs on every front. Parents, alumni, and faculty have given me glowing reports, and I was thrilled with the recent McCallie experience of my grandson. I know that the McCallie family Headmasters before me would agree that Kirk Walker has enhanced our legacy. I will speak for the generations and say that we are grateful to him.

Spencer McCallie ’55 (Former Headmaster, 1974-1999)

This is what comes to mind when I think of our marvelous headmaster, Dr. Kirk Walker: 1. He has great judgment about situations, people, and timing. He was never flustered, always upbeat, took his time to get things right. He was willing to invest when needed and cut when needed. He led, inspired, did not meddle, instead got agreement on an issue and let his team implement.

2. He has great character and values. He lived the McCallie mission and values, especially our motto and Honor, Truth, Duty. He worked hard. His beeper was on 24/7. He was very

balanced, fair, even-handed. He affirmed everyone, but not in an obsequious way. He told the truth as he believed it.

Kirk was just the right man at the right time to lead McCallie into its second century!

One little situation...I wanted to do something to honor great teachers in our Second Century Campaign. I wasn’t certain whether it was to recruit better, mentor better, develop better or just reward/recognize more. But, I knew I wanted to do something that helped maintain and strengthen our talent pool. Over an 18-month period, Kirk and I tried a number of different models. He researched what others schools did. He interviewed faculty members. He invented new models. He was thoughtful, deliberate, sensitive, creative, open minded all at the same time. He ultimately envisioned what is now the Faculty Fellows program which hopefully will be an evergreen program for our faculty. My instinct would have been to develop something after a meeting or two. Kirk’s approach created a much more powerful, inspirational and lasting program.

Ed Michaels ’60 (Board Chair, 2005-2008)

Kirk, you have guided the school through an important era with care and grace. Your leadership extends the high standard we have all learned to expect at our school where boys are molded into men who will make contributions to society in the McCallie tradition.

Olan Mills II ’48 (Board Chair, 1985-1990)

I have known Kirk as long as anyone. We were friends even before we began seventh grade at McCallie in 1963 under the ancient regime, when Dr. Bob and Dr. Spence were the Headmasters and Dr. Park still spoke at chapel once a week.

I have had the privilege of knowing him as a fellow student, an alumnus, the parent of two McCallie students and, most treasured, as a friend. Though he has become spectacularly accomplished, in many ways he has not changed since our days at McCallie. He was and remains caring, thoughtful, generously-spirited and wise. He cares deeply about McCallie and the students and faculty that make up the McCallie family. He makes decisions in difficult situations in a way that will help as much as possible and not hurt. He has always been modest about his accomplishments. He is not an egotist and that may be one of the secrets of his leadership. McCallie could not have had a better leader to move McCallie into the 21st Century while not forsaking the commitment to “man’s chief end” and the emphasis on the special needs and joys of educating boys to become young men. All of us who love McCallie are grateful to Kirk and Patsi.

Don Morton ’69

For the past 15 years as Headmaster, Dr. Walker has truly been an outstanding leader for the school through both good and extremely difficult financial times. While his many campus improvements are a testament and easily recognizable, his primary gift for all of us has been his ability to foster meaningful personal relationships with

faculty, students, Board members and community. He, along with his wife Patsi, will surely be missed. But we wish for them the best and God speed in their next stage of life!

David Stonecipher ’59 (Board Chair, 2008-2010)

Kirk Walker is an excellent and effective leader. He builds teamwork by being an active listener and by remaining focused on the greater good and task at hand. I have heard him say many times, “I want the best idea, plan or solution to come to the forefront. It certainly doesn’t have to be mine.” His steady hand, patience and amazing ability to stay “out of the weeds,” as he likes to say, have led to some remarkable accomplishments over the last 15 years. He most certainly was the ideal person to lead McCallie during the challenging economic times the country has faced.

Kenny Sholl, Associate Headmaster and Upper School Head

I’d like to extend my sincerest congratulations to fellow McCallie School alumnus and outgoing headmaster Dr. Kirk Walker on his successful 15-year tenure at our beloved alma mater. McCallie undoubtedly provided me with the tools necessary for career success – an invaluable education, structure and a supportive community – and for that, I’m eternally grateful. I’m equally grateful for individuals like Kirk, who have dedicated themselves to leading and enhancing McCallie’s student, faculty and alumni communities, and in effect, making us even more proud to be McCallie men.

Ted Turner ’56

The Men of McCallie – past, present and future, are enriched by Dr. Walker’s “service to mankind.” He has carried on a rich tradition and served the institution very well. Lives have been molded, and the foundation is strong for thousands of world changers, in part because of his leadership. Well done Dr. Walker. We are grateful to you and your family.

Zach Wamp ’76