Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Announces Dr. Delvin M. Dinkins as its next Head of School beginning July 1, 2022

Dr. Delvin M. Dinkins has been named the next head of school for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), effective July 2022. The selection is the result of an extensive search conducted by the Board of Trustees after the current head of school, Dr. Stephen L. Druggan, announced that he had accepted the position of superintendent at the American School of Dubai, United Arab Emirates beginning August 1, 2022.

The SCH community’s enthusiastic response to Dr. Dinkins during his visit, coupled with the full support of the Head of School Search Committee, has led to his unanimous endorsement by the SCH Board of Trustees and appointment.

Dr. Dinkins brings an impressive portfolio of skills and experience to this position, as well as an educational philosophy that closely parallels the values and mission of SCH whose core values are integrity, courage, diversity, thoughtfulness, and resilience. Board Chair Patrick Lindsay states, “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 is a graduate of Swarthmore College with a B.A in English and a certification in secondary education. He received an M.A. from the University of Michigan in educational studies, and principal certification from Pennsylvania State University and holds an Ed.D. in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Dinkins currently serves as assistant head at the Pingry School in New Jersey, where he has overseen the implementation of the school’s strategic plan, supervised key academic and administrative initiatives, and designed and implemented a new flexible learning model and faculty professional development plan. In addition to being a leader, he is a teacher of English and stays closely tied to his students as a grade advisor and mentor.

Prior to Pingry, Dr. Dinkins served as head of upper school at Episcopal Academy (EA). Before EA, he spent 18  years in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District serving in various capacities from teacher to elementary school principal and curriculum supervisor for the district.

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.”

“I am both honored and humbled to join the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy community,” shares Dinkins. “What drew me to SCH is what has likely drawn others as well—the opportunity to join a considerate community where lives are changed for a better world. It is a place that sharpens minds, softens hearts, and illuminates principles, laying the foundation for a meaningful life of impact.”

Dr. Dinkins, his wife, Davirah, and their two children, Bria (21) and Delvin (25), will officially join the SCH community in July 2022. 
 

• Senior Leadership Experience | Abbreviated CV for Dr. Dinkins