FACES OF PACE

Dana Rawls

/// STEWARDSHIP AND PLANNED GIVING MANAGER ///

How did you come to work at Pace?

My older daughter, ERIN RAWLS ’15, came to Pace in 2011 as a ninth-grader and my younger daughter, JILL RAWLS ’19, joined the seventh-grade class two years later. As a Pace parent, I would sometimes joke that I’d have to get a job at Pace to stick around after both girls had graduated. Jill’s sophomore year, as the prospect of being an empty-nester with time on my hands grew more real, I started looking for a full-time job in place of the contract work I had been doing. My “networking” email to Director of Advancement HEATHER WHITE in 2016 turned into a position the following year.

What do you do at Pace that falls beyond the scope of your job description?

I have to credit Heather for writing a very comprehensive job description… I’m not sure a lot falls outside of it. Not many people know what I do—so perhaps it’s better to answer that. I spend much of each day writing—everything from foundation proposals to articles for the KnightTimes. I also oversee the school’s planned giving initiative and, moving forward, will be working to help Pace strengthen connections with former and Life Trustees.

Why is Pace a special place to work?

Pace employees are kind to one another and quick to lend a hand. Pace’s electronic universe (of email to all) is one place where our caring culture is evident. Whether it’s the “Computer Guys” offering tips (they are ridiculously funny) or teachers coordinating to help one another or personal updates, the messages are supportive. This has been especially meaningful in this more distanced year.

Shakila Williams

/// ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR COLLEGE COUNSELING ///

What do you do at Pace that falls beyond the scope of your job description?

I'm not sure this falls beyond the scope of my job description, but I spend a lot of time listening to teens and learning more than I need to know about the High School Musical series and the latest trends/challenges on TikTok. I'm also a leader of the Black, African and African Diaspora affinity group and a member of the faculty committee for the Action Plan for Racial Equity.

Why is Pace a special place to work?

Community. Hands down. This community is special. I'm surrounded by some of the brightest and best minds who wow me on a regular basis. From the staff to students to our incredible teachers. The commitment to learning—on all levels—is unmatched. It's also a thoughtful and introspective place. I feel supported and appreciated while also being challenged to ask myself “How can I be better?” and “What more can I offer this community?” And, I mean, the ICGL opportunities, food trucks, faculty treats, Deepak Chopra leading a meditation, Richard Blanco in morning assembly on a random Wednesday? Yes, Pace is a very special place indeed.

Is there one particular memory or experience that defines Pace for you?

Obviously, Pace isn't perfect, no place is, but I think this year and the way the entire Pace community navigated the pandemic is a Pace memory I will never forget. We did hard things this year. We all did. And we did it together.

Mac McCallum

/// ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID ///

How did you come to work at Pace?

I spent years hoping that my career would eventually lead me to Pace! This school is held in such high regard across the country, and though I spent many wonderful years in North Carolina and Tennessee, an opportunity at Pace had long been top of mind. Head of Upper School MIKE GANNON and Dean of the Class of 2022 BEN EWING ’06 were instrumental, however, in bringing my wife [second-grade teacher MARY PAT MCCALLUM] and me to Pace and Atlanta.

Why is Pace a special place to work?

My colleagues and I marvel at how multidimensional, and downright fascinating, our students become when given all these opportunities to stretch themselves at Pace. Maybe less apparent, however, is that the faculty and staff are encouraged and able to do the same. I have held something like five or six different roles, some bigger and some smaller, during my years at Pace, and this is not unique. For me, the mark of a truly strong independent school is that it values the growth of all the people in its community.

Is there one particular memory or experience that defines Pace for you?

It is not even close: DANIEL LUCKE’s ’20 buzzer-beating shot to seal our boys basketball team's victory against Lovett two years ago. What a wonderful and quintessentially Pace moment, not just for Daniel, but for the entire community. For those who missed it, Daniel, a senior manager for the varsity basketball team, was asked, to his great surprise, to suit up for our biggest game of the year. Hundreds of Daniel's friends and classmates spent much of the second half chanting for Coach SHARMAN WHITE to call Daniel off the bench. They exploded when he finally entered the game, but when Daniel nailed a deep 3-pointer as time expired, it was pandemonium in the Inman Center. Winning was great, but the victory was secondary. That single moment captured so much that happens here every single day: opportunity, hard work, collaboration, spirit, and most importantly, celebration of one another. Hard to beat that.