Meet Dr. Pat Houlihan Former Big Ten Scholar-Athlete and Career Educator Assumes Director of Athletics Role Dr. Pat Houlihan began his tenure as Peck’s Director of Athletics in August 2023. Houlihan has extensive experience in athletics leadership, previously serving as the Director of Athletics and Physical Education Teacher at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. Before his time at Oxbridge, he was the Assistant Director of Athletics at Ransom Everglades School and a PE teacher and coach at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, both in Florida. “Pat brings great energy, a passion for athletics, and a track record of success to his role at Peck,” says Head of School Andy Delinsky. Houlihan earned a master’s in Physical Education from Hofstra, as well as a master’s in Educational Leadership and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University. An accomplished athlete, Houlihan has an undergraduate degree from Northwestern, where he was a four-year member of the basketball team. He was named a Big Ten Scholar Athlete at Northwestern and received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. We caught up with Houlihan to ask about his move to Peck. Here’s what he had to say: Why did you pursue a career in school athletics? I was surrounded by sports for the majority of my life and always had a love and passion for competition. Sports bring communities together, and there are so many benefits of sport participation. To name a few: developing character, honing the ability to work with a team to achieve a common goal, developing time management, leadership, and communication skills, building relationships with peers and adults, improving academic performance, increasing self-esteem and confidence, reducing stress, and improving mental health.
“I strongly believe there is no greater honor than competing for your school; sports create lasting memories and lifelong friendships.”—Dr. Pat Houlihan
Why did you want to join the Peck community?
What are you most excited about related to your new role?
The Peck School checks a lot of boxes for me: rigorous academics, a commitment to athletics, experienced and supportive leadership, proximity to family, world-class facilities, and a strong sense of community. Surrounding myself daily with ambitious, like-minded, intelligent, dedicated, kind, and passionate educators will help me grow as a professional and person.
I’m most excited about becoming fully immersed in The Peck School community by developing strong, positive, personal relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni and supporting our students’ various interests outside of athletics. I’m really looking forward to strengthening the visibility, support, and excitement around Peck Athletics. Go Pride!
28 | FALL/W IN T ER 2024
