Announcing Our New Head of School Elect, Dr. Delvin Dinkins
GSB Announces New Head of School
October 10, 2024
The Gill St. Bernard’s (GSB) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that they have unanimously elected Dr. Delvin M. Dinkins as the next Head of School. Dr. Dinkins will begin his role on July 1, 2025, and will be GSB’s 6th Head of School post-merger.
Dr. Dinkins is currently serving as the Head of School at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), serving students from early childhood through grade 12 in Philadelphia. Prior to his role at SCH, Dr. Dinkins served as Assistant Head of School at The Pingry School for five years. Prior to that he served as the Upper School Director at the Episcopal Academy in Newton Square, PA. His career spans roles in both public and private education and includes work as a Principal of a K-4 school and a variety of roles supervising Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability, and Electronic Learning.
In spending time on campus with faculty, administrators, students, and families, Dr. Dinkins stood out as a candidate. As stated by one faculty member, “Dr. Dinkins has it all—he's smart, affable, caring, and thoughtful. In so many ways, he blended all the best qualities of what this school needs in a next head of school.” A member of the senior administration said, “I believe he would be an incredible asset to the community and a very strong face for GSB. His intelligence and growth mindset would encourage advancement in curriculum and teaching. His leadership would bring the community together and increase school spirit and pride.” One of the school’s seniors who interviewed Dr. Dinkins noted that “He was warm, engaging, and easy to connect with. I am excited for the school but disappointed that I will have graduated when Dr. Dinkins joins. I would love to see how he transforms GSB.”
Dr. Dinkins himself shared, “What draws me to GSB is what has likely drawn others as well: the opportunity to serve a community with a strong sense of itself as one that prioritizes the whole child. It is a place that sharpens minds and softens hearts, a place where students can develop a passion for learning and be profoundly shaped by generosity of spirit.”
Dr. Dinkins earned both a BA in English and a Secondary Teacher Certification from Swarthmore College where he was the Co-Captain of the Track & Field team. He also has an MA in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan and an EdD in Educational & Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Search Committee, Rajiv De Silva noted, “I am delighted that Dr. Dinkins has accepted our offer to become the next head of school at GSB. He is a talented and compassionate educator who will be able to preserve the essence of GSB while transforming it for future generations. The Board looks forward to welcoming Dr. Dinkins and supporting him in his new role”.
Dr. Dinkins will succeed longtime Head of School Sid Rowell, who has served the school for 24 years. De Silva noted, “We owe Sid a great debt of gratitude for his service to GSB. He has been a transformational figure in the history of the school. The Board appreciates Sid’s contributions to the school and looks forward to celebrating him as he completes his storied tenure at GSB.”
A Message From Our New Head of School Elect, Dr. Delvin Dinkins
Dear Gill St. Bernard's Community,
I am deeply honored and thrilled to introduce myself as the next Head of School at Gill St. Bernard's. My gratitude goes to the search committee and Board of Trustees for their trust in me. From the moment I stepped onto your beautiful campus, I was immediately struck by the warmth and welcoming spirit of GSB’s community. Smiles greeted me, teachers welcomed me into their classes, and students even took me to get some ice cream!
Your passion for fostering a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore, grow, and become their best selves was clear from the start. I am both excited and humbled to join a school with such a proud history of educational excellence, thoughtful innovation, and character development. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of those who have made GSB a leader in independent education. Together, we will continue this tradition of excellence and forge new paths of distinction.
As I prepare to take on this role, I’ve been reflecting on GSB’s initiatives that promote innovative learning and a deep commitment to community and sustainable growth. GSB provides a balanced, diverse, and secure environment that prepares students academically, socially, and ethically for college and a meaningful life. The transformative power of education to shape both minds and hearts has always been a guiding belief in my career. GSB’s approach to this transformation is evident in the hands-on learning opportunities offered through programs like Spring Unit and Home Winds Farm. I am eager to further support and expand these impactful programs and to help guide students in harnessing the power of hands-on, real-world experiences.
In an increasingly complex world, we must equip young people with both the knowledge and the resilience they need to thrive. We will collaborate to ensure that students find joy in learning, take positive risks, and explore a variety of interests. GSB’s commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity, fostering leadership, and instilling a deep sense of service aligns perfectly with my core values as an educator.
I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I will lead with humility, curiosity, and integrity, fostering collaboration among all members of the community. I am eager to get to know students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees. While I officially begin next July, I look forward to connecting with the community in the months ahead, hearing perspectives on what makes GSB so special, and listening to your thoughts and ideas in individual and small group conversations. We will actively build a shared vision for a strong, extraordinary future, ensuring GSB remains a place where everyone thrives.
Thank you for welcoming my wife, Davirah, and me into the GSB family. We are excited to become a part of such a dynamic and supportive community and its traditions. I am truly excited about the journey ahead and eager to begin working alongside you all as we accomplish great things together at GSB.
Sincerely,
Dr. Delvin Dinkins
October 10, 2024
Dear Gill St. Bernard’s Community,
I am delighted to announce Dr. Delvin Dinkins as Gill St. Bernard School’s (GSB’s) 6th Head of School post-merger. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the appointment at a special meeting on October 1; Delvin will begin his headship on July 1, 2025.
Delvin is currently serving as the Head of School at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), serving students from early childhood through grade 12 in Philadelphia. Prior to his role at SCH, Delvin served as Assistant Head of School at The Pingry School for five years. Prior to that he served as the Upper School Director at the Episcopal Academy in Newton Square, PA. His career spans roles in both public and private education and includes work as a Principal of a K-4 school and a variety of roles supervising Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability, and Electronic Learning.
Delvin grew up in Pennsylvania and has a BA in English and a Secondary Teacher Certification from Swarthmore College where he was the Co-Captain of the Track & Field team. He also has an MA in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan and an EdD in Educational & Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Delvin will move to our campus next Summer with his wife Davirah. Delvin and Davirah are the proud parents of two adult children.
When the Search Committee of the Board began its work late last year, it took on the difficult responsibility of finding a worthy successor to Sid Rowell who is retiring after 24 years of service to the school. We were thrilled when Delvin rose to the top among a talented group of candidates. He has a combination of skills and experiences that position him well for preserving the best of GSB and move the school far into the future. Delvin is a talented, transparent, and authentic educator who leads with a sense of purpose, joy, kindness, and humility. I look forward to his contributions to educating current and future students of GSB, nurturing faculty and staff, bringing alumni closer to school, and building our community of extraordinary parents and supporters. The Board looks forward to supporting Delvin in building the future of our amazing school.
A word of thanks to my fellow Search Committee members, trustees and faculty alike, who dedicated countless hours to finding our next head of school. The commitment, dedication, and care they have shown have been extraordinary. With Delvin’s announcement, the Board will sunset the Search Committee and constitute a Transition Committee to help Delvin prepare to take the reins next Summer.
I also want to recognize Sid for his years of service to GSB. He has been a transformational figure in the history of the school. The Board appreciates Sid’s contributions to the school and looks forward to celebrating him as he completes his storied tenure.
Go Knights!
Rajiv De Silva, P ’21, ’25
Chair, Board of Trustees
Transition Committee
Board of Trustee Members
- Liz Fucci P '17, Secretary
- Matt Harding '81, Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee
- Dr. Haresh Kane P '29, '34, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
- Emily Maillet Kellogg P '29, Chair, Transition Committee; Chair, Committee on Trustees
- Antoinette Segreto P '32, '32, Trustee
School Administration
- Director of Admission and Financial Aid Ann Marie Blackman P '13, '16
- Director of Studies and Strategic Initiatives Ananya Chatterji
- Chief Financial Officer Kelly Garnes P '34, '39
- Director of Advancement Heather Truscinski P '29, '32