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St. Luke’s Names New Head of School
St. Luke’s School recently announced the appointment of its new Head of School: Mary Halpin Carter, Ph.D., effective July 1, 2022. St. Luke’s began a national search after longstanding Head of School, Mark Davis, announced retirement plans last fall.
It is With Great Joy...
Board Chair Jennifer Foster announced Carter’s appointment saying:
“It is with great joy we officially announce: St. Luke’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Mary Halpin Carter, Ph.D., as St. Luke’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2022.
Mary has been the beloved and transformative Head at The Derryfield School for the past nine years. First hired in 1997 as the Director of Admission, she advanced through several academic leadership positions, and was ultimately selected by her board to lead the school.
During her tenure as Head of School, Mary created and executed a highly successful Strategic Plan and led the largest capital campaign in Derryfield history—funding several new spaces including a science and innovation center. Mary is a Dartmouth alumna and holds an M.Ed. in Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Education and School Leadership from the University of New Hampshire. You can learn more about Mary’s background and accomplishments on the New Head of School webpage.”
During her tenure as Head of School, Mary created and executed a highly successful Strategic Plan and led the largest capital campaign in Derryfield history—funding several new spaces including a science and innovation center. Mary is a Dartmouth alumna and holds an M.Ed. in Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in Education and School Leadership from the University of New Hampshire. You can learn more about Mary’s background and accomplishments on the New Head of School webpage.”
Schools Can be a Magnet for Young People & Adults
Foster called Carter’s education philosophy compelling and “St. Lukesian through and through.” In the announcement letter, Foster quoted Carter: “Shaping school culture will be my primary role as St. Luke’s Head of School. I will do so with the intent of developing students into practical, ethical leaders who are prepared to lead lives of purpose and meaning. I believe a school can be on the forefront of education while providing a joyful, engaging environment that is a magnet for young people and adults alike.”
Leaving Behind a Piece of My Heart
In his September 2020 retirement announcement, Davis said: “Next year will mark twenty years at the helm of this remarkable institution. It will also mark the start of a new chapter in my life. Though that next chapter will afford me the blessings of more time with my family, I'm keenly aware that it will conclude a cherished part of my life story and leave behind a piece of my heart.”
After meeting with Carter, Davis said: “Mary has a confident and comfortable bearing that quickly establishes connection and trust in her as a leader. She is ready and eager to be the standard-bearer for the St. Luke's Strategic Plan and has led major strategic change already. She knows how to plan and unleash the best work from those around her. Mary offers confidence, wisdom, and management skills that will be invaluable to St. Luke’s."
Gratitude, Love, and Arms Wide Open
Foster captured the emotions of chapters beginning and ending: “We close this letter thankful for the support of this community and grateful to our own “beloved and transformative” Head of School, Mark Davis. We know the entire St. Luke’s community will send Mark off with deep love and appreciation and will welcome Mary to the Hilltop with arms wide open.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
