November 16, 2018
 
Dear St. John's Families:

On behalf of the St. John's Episcopal School Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee, I am honored to announce the unanimous selection and appointment of Meshea Matthews as our next Head of School, effective July 1, 2019.

Meshea's arrival signals an important chapter for St. John's. With a keen sense of the Dallas independent school community and deep respect for the unique attributes our school offers, she is both drawn to our mission and intent on amplifying St. John's story across the city. Most importantly, she embodies the ethos of the institution and the attributes we uphold for our graduates: a love of learning, character marked by integrity and tenacity; and the ability to connect, collaborate and communicate authentically. Meshea is well suited to lead our school into the future.

"From our first interview with Meshea, we were impressed," Head of School Search Committee Chair Melissa Eakes observed. "Throughout the process, it became clear that she is student-centered, guided by grace and feels called to St. John's and our mission. We found that to be very compelling."

Meshea served in a wide range of roles during her 19-year career at The Hockaday School: coach, classroom teacher, department chair, Dean of Students, and ultimately as Director of Residential Life for the school's 105-year-old boarding program. She distinguished herself to students, parents and peers. "In my more than 50 years in education, I have never met a more capable, truly authentic and ethical person than Meshea Matthews," noted Karen A. Drawz, former Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at The Hockaday School. "In my opinion, she is a born leader."

"I am incredibly honored to accept this call to lead St. John's and to carry forward the mission, message and momentum of this great school," said Matthews. "My visit to the campus only confirmed what I had envisioned - an active community with remarkable teachers, talented staff, dedicated parents and most importantly, brilliant young minds. I look forward to continuing the superb work of Mark Crotty and the St. John's leadership, faculty and staff." 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their active participation in this search process. Faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni, your engagement and enthusiasm are the hallmark of the St. John's community. A special thank you to the Search Committee Chair, Melissa Eakes, for her leadership and to the members of the committee for their commitment and dedication to the school: Audra Chavis, Derek Claybrook, Judy Gass, Mark Kraemer, Mary Odom, Scott Parks, Jennifer Sharpe, and Fr. John Thorpe.

Join me in welcoming Meshea and her husband Timm to the St. John's family. We will have more communications as the school year comes to a close and Mark hands over the reins to Meshea on July 1, 2019. In the meantime, have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving.

  Click here to see a message from Meshea.
 
Regards,

Mike Androvett
Chair
St. John's Episcopal School Board of Trustees