SCH Welcomes New Head

An educator and administrator for nearly 28 years, Dr. Delvin Dinkins began his tenure as Head of School at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy on July 1, 2022. 

Dinkins comes to SCH from The Pingry School (Basking Ridge, NJ), where he served as assistant head of school, managing the implementation of the school’s strategic plan, overseeing key academic and administrative priorities, and collaborating with faculty and administrators on a wide range of initiatives. In addition to his role as assistant head of school, he taught English and served as a grade-level advisor and student club sponsor.

Prior to Pingry, Dinkins served for four years as the head of the Upper School at The Episcopal Academy. He led the strategic direction and operations of the division, while also teaching English and serving as a student advisor.

Before he arrived at Episcopal he held numerous roles in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, including director of Assessment and Accountability, Curriculum Supervisor, director of Electronic Learning, principal, and assistant principal. His administrative career followed his years as a teacher of American and world literature, in addition to Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition. A competitive runner and a former coach, he had the honor of being named Track & Field Coach of the Year by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

In the announcement of Dr. Dinkins’ appointment as the next head of school in May 2021, Board Chair Patrick Lindsay stated, “Dr. Dinkins brings an impressive portfolio of skills and experience to this position, as well as an educational philosophy that closely parallels the mission of SCH and its core values: integrity, courage, diversity, thoughtfulness, and resilience. In Dr. Dinkins, SCH has found an inspiring and thoughtful leader who meets all of the personal and professional characteristics we sought and more. He is committed to innovation in education and possesses strong theoretical as well as practical academic knowledge and experience, supported by a strong educational background.”

Dr. Dinkins’ thoughtful style of leadership is characterized by a collaborative and inclusive approach. He has described himself as a “bridge builder, bringing people together and cultivating well-being.” At his core, he believes in the “potential of people to do great things and the promise of school to change lives.”

On topics as diverse as school leadership, student achievement, professional learning, student support, youth mentoring, and talent recruitment, Dr. Dinkins has spoken as both an invited guest and presenter at many national and regional meetings, including the National Association of Independent Schools, College Board, and American Council on Education. Among many honors and awards, he received the Humanitarian Award from the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.

Dinkins has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from the University of Michigan. A graduate of Swarthmore College (BA), he was vice president of the college’s Alumni Council from 2006-2011, served on the board of managers from 2012-2016, and continues his service as a member of the Council on Presidential Initiatives (2016-present).

Delvin and his wife, Davirah, have two grown children and a rescue pup named Bosley. SCH extends a warm welcome to the entire Dinkins family!