Gill St. Bernard’s School recently sat down with Dr. Delvin Dinkins, our Head of School Elect, for an engaging Q&A. With a blend of humor, thoughtfulness, and deep insight, Dr. Dinkins shared his perspectives on education, leadership, and life beyond the classroom. From his favorite books to his leadership philosophy, the conversation offered a glimpse into the values and vision he will bring to the GSB community.
What is your favorite children’s book?
Of so many wonderful children’s books out there, I’d have to say that one of my favorites is Charlotte’s Web. There is something for everyone in this book: awe and wonder, memorable characters, unlikely friendships, losses and gains, and heroes.
What books are currently on your nightstand?
Make it Stick, Think Again, The Shakespeare Requirement, and The Power of Wonder.
Coffee or tea—and how do you take it?
Pour that cup of joe! And I’ll take some cream, sweetened even, with that, please!
What was your favorite subject in school growing up—and what subject challenged you the most?
Like many kids, my favorite subject was the one I did best in—history. English was a close second. I enjoyed learning about the past, the events that have shaped the present, the present, and how it shapes the future.
The subject that challenged me the most was Spanish! I had a wonderfully demanding teacher in high school who wouldn’t let any of his students off the hook or hide in his class. He required excellence from his students no matter what and saw to it that we delivered it.
If you could teach any class at GSB for a day, what would it be? Why?
If I could teach any class at GSB for a day, it would be Psychology. Even though my academic background is in English, I have always enjoyed learning about human behavior and the thinking that underlies it. (I would also enjoy teaching American Literature and AP English Language & Composition, once my two staple courses.)
If you could join a school club, which one would it be?
I would join the Fishing Club. I have never been much of a fisherman, but I enjoy the outdoors and would like to try it. I keep hearing how relaxing it can be!
If you could instantly master a new skill or talent, what would it be?
Playing a new instrument! I regret dropping an instrument many moons ago, the saxophone, and never picking it up again.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of school?
I enjoy reading, although much of it is nonfiction and professional. I am working on integrating more fiction and pleasure reading into my diet. I used to play soccer and basketball at a modest level, and I enjoy volleyball and racket sports like squash, tennis, and padel.
My primary athletics love, though, is track and field. I competed at the Division III level in college, and I still give it a go as a member of a competitive masters track club team.
What is your favorite sports team?
I have been a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan! Blame it on my mother and the mystique of the rough and tumble 1970s football era.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education and leadership?
From childhood, I felt a strong sense of purpose. After transferring from a struggling public school to an independent one, I thrived in an environment that encouraged exploration and excellence, guided by supportive teachers and mentors who made learning meaningful. I loved going to school! In college, I immersed myself in academics, student life, and a diverse, inclusive community that valued rigor and relevance. I learned to ask critical questions, apply knowledge to real-world problems, and connect learning to life, which shaped my commitment to education.
When applying to graduate school in the early 1990s, I wrote a statement of purpose expressing my desire to become a teacher despite my mother’s initial skepticism.
My goal was to transform lives, as mine had been transformed, and make a lasting impact on students, schools, and the world. This vision became my teaching philosophy and later informed my leadership approach: meeting students where they are, helping them exceed their potential, and improving the human condition.
These aspirations have been the foundation of my work and remain the reason I continue in this field.
What values or principles guide your leadership style?
Years ago, I read Robert Greenleaf’s The Servant as Leader, which profoundly influenced my perspective on leadership. He wrote, “The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.” His idea of servant leadership—a human-centered approach that prioritizes service to others—resonated with me. Over time, my philosophy has evolved into what I call hospitable leadership, an approach that blends service with creating a welcoming, supportive environment where people and purpose thrive.
So, my core philosophy is simple: put people and purpose first on purpose. This approach is rooted in ethics, inclusion, trust, integrity, and hospitality. Creating a hospitable environment where people feel cared for and appreciated for their contributions and who they are is central to my leadership.
Visible and engaged, I reach for input, listen with a tuned ear, and incorporate feedback. Empowering people to have a voice in decision-making while delegating responsibility produces a tangible sense of ownership and investment. While there inevitably comes a time when I have to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of those entrusted to my leadership, people’s voices matter and their contributions count.
Inspiring the best in people and developing individuals and teams is essential to my leadership practice, as is making our work together enjoyable and impactful.
What did you enjoy most about your visit to GSB?
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the friendly, open, and curious spirit that permeates the school community. It was a joy to meet so many individuals deeply committed to the mission and values that define GSB. The hospitality extended to me made my visit all the more special and memorable. Smiles greeted me, faculty and staff opened their classrooms and offices, and students even took me to get some ice cream!
What did you learn about the school that surprised you?
What surprised me the most was how beautiful and well-cared-for the campus is. I had only been on campus once or twice before, but not for very long, and I was not in the interior spaces. Even though there was a bit of rain during my visit in October, the campus was lovely. And when I returned a few weeks after being appointed Head of School, the campus could not have been more stunning.
What attracted you to Gill St. Bernard’s, and what do you hope to achieve here?
What drew 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, where students can develop a passion for learning and be shaped profoundly by generosity of spirit.
I have been told repeatedly how great a school GSB is and how great the people are. Its commitment to fostering a joyful, collaborative, inclusive community resonates with me. I want to make GSB the best version of itself by drawing upon its strengths: its people! We can do great things together.