Feature STORY
Introducing
PRESIDENT KEVIN P. WHITNEY
After his first 140 days, the Accord staff sat down for a Q&A with President Whitney and edited his responses for brevity and clarity.
Why did you decide to work in education? I was a finance and computer science undergraduate major. After a co-op, I had a job offer with Johnson & Johnson to enter its financial leadership development program. My manager asked me where I saw myself in five years, and I responded very naturally, “head football coach.” At the same time, during my last year of college, I started coaching due to a football injury. I really enjoyed the teaching aspect, so I became a graduate assistant on the football coaching staff while working toward my master’s degree. I had tremendous role models who believed in me and inspired me to seek a vocation in which I could help young people. What inspires or motivates you? I’ve constantly tried to challenge myself, and taking on new challenges motivates me. My faith motivates me, as well. In Mass, when you hear God and the Gospel, those things help me work to be a better man, a better father and a better administrator. What are you passionate about? I love learning and improving. I read all the time, and I’m constantly on different types of educational websites or leadership podcasts. I love working with different groups of people, building relationships and learning new things from new people. What would surprise people about you? I have an eclectic taste in music. I often go to pop first, but I like everything from Metallica to U2. Also, I have an identical twin brother — we even sound and laugh the same.
In July, the Academy of the Holy Names welcomed its seventh president, Mr. Kevin P. Whitney. Whitney’s 18-year career in independent, Catholic education includes numerous positions at Malvern Prep, an Augustinian school in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and then at La Salle College High School, a Lasallian school in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. He served as dean of students, director of 21st-century learning, and dean of faculty at Malvern Prep, and most recently was the dean of academic affairs at La Salle for the past five years. He was also a computer science teacher, varsity football coach, and rector for the Kairos retreat program. Whitney’s two advanced degrees in instructional leadership and education entrepreneurship give him a unique perspective and skill set that will help strengthen and grow the Academy’s programs and student experience. 4 SPRING 2022
What drew you to the Academy? I felt a deep connection to the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names, and I saw a great fit the more I got to talk to people and learn about the school and its vision and trajectory. Plus, we love the family environment of the Academy and the chance to be a part of our girls’ education and their development. We are excited to be in a community where people know and really care about one another.
