Introducing President Kevin P. Whitney

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.

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.

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.

What qualities do you bring as a leader that will continue the Academy’s growth?

I think I’m a good listener, and I’m collaborative. I try to understand diverse perspectives to find the right solution. I have experience in academic innovation, and I’m a strong believer in the holistic development of kids. For me, faith development is just as important as academic challenge. Also, I look forward to bringing an entrepreneurial spirit to the school.

What is the most important thing an Academy student will learn?

That God loves us all, and with God on our side, how can we ever fail? No matter what ups and downs we may have in life, our faith and the Holy Spirit will pick us up when we are down and help us understand who we are and what we want to be.

What have you enjoyed most so far?

Building relationships with the administrative team. We spend a lot of time together. We have some heavy challenges in front of us, but we have worked together to find the best solutions for the school and our kids. I have also enjoyed getting to know our faculty, staff and current parents and look forward to connecting more with our students and alumni in the latter part of my first year.

What have you learned on your listening tour?

The teaching community here is a family. Our teachers are doing a great job, and they really know our students, which greatly benefits them and their education. We have passionate and committed parents and benefactors. We have a program that develops the whole child and challenges them to be critical thinkers and learn the skills needed in today’s world. The presence of our Sisters has changed, so we have to spend time taking on the question of how our lay educators will take up the mantle of the Sisters and be that religious example. Additionally, we need to look at how we allocate our resources to ensure our organization supports and enhances the tremendous programmatic and enrollment growth of the past 10 years and realize the vision for the future.

AHN has a remarkable legacy founded in the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Names. How will you strengthen it?

As we look at the education our children are getting, we want to make sure they have a transformative educational journey. We must give them the foundation they need and look at new disciplines to expand their horizons. We will continue to require professional excellence from our faculty and staff, and ensure they have the training and resources they need. I want the school to strive to be an authentic learning community, where teachers challenge the status quo and parents partner in supporting their children’s education. I want to ensure that we have a vibrant, engaged and unified community in the long term.

FAVORITES

The book you most recommend or has most impacted you:

“Season of Life” by Jeffrey Marx

The best piece of advice you’ve received:

Never burn a bridge.

Favorite quote:

“Every battle is won before it’s ever fought.” - Sun Tzu

Favorite podcast:

“At The Table with Patrick Lencioni”

Favorite thing to do outside of work: Spend time with family, watch college football, or run on my Peloton Tread

Favorite thing about Tampa:

I’ve enjoyed all the churches we’ve visited. There is an amazing restaurant scene, and we love that there is so much to do outside, especially with such great weather.

The last show you binged and loved:

Ted Lasso

Favorite Movie:

Anything “Star Wars”