Mark Adame Appointed to Chair

At a full faculty and staff meeting on February 16, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini announced that Mark Adame had been appointed to the Cecil H. and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science. A 15-year veteran of St. Mark’s Science Department, Mark’s deep passion for biology and his creativity in the classroom provide meaningful experiences to the students in his Biology, AP Biology, and DNA Science classes.

 

“With his light-hearted approach and engaging teaching style, Mark creates a high-energy learning environment while inspiring his students to ask questions, think critically, and pursue a deep understanding of the biological sciences,” said Fletcher Carron, Stephen M. Seay ’68 Science Department Chair. “A true experimenter, Mark is forever at work (and play) in the biotechnology lab, developing new hands-on experiences for his students and supporting their independent investigations—truly setting a great example of commitment to his craft as scientist and teacher.”

 

Mark’s energy extends outside the classroom too. He helps lead a number of Upper School clubs and programs, including the Cycling, BioMed, Gardening, and Culinary Clubs, as well as several scientific competition teams. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, he has also served as a group leader on nearly a dozen Pecos Wilderness Trips and Eighth-Grade Campouts. 

 

David Dini shared the following with the faculty when announcing Mark’s appointment. “Mr. Adame is a team player, always ready to lend a helpful hand. An active contributor in and out of the classroom, he’s devoted to his students and colleagues. Mark brings energy and excellence at every turn and is quick to step up whenever something needs to be done.”  

 

In reflecting on his appointment, Mark shared his reactions to receiving such a significant honor and noted the impact that St. Mark’s endowed chairs have across the campus.

 

“The Master Teaching Chair program is a good example of the positive feedback loop we learn about in biology,” said Mark. “St. Mark’s appreciates teachers’ passion for their work, which in turn, boosts their passion to do more for the students and the School.”

 

After receiving his B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University, Mark Adame began his career in the research laboratory, first at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and then at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. Mark went on to earn a master’s degree in Science Instruction from the University of Texas at Dallas. Earlier in his career, Mark taught Pre-AP and AP Biology in Arkansas, in addition to coaching cross-country and continuing his research. In 2003, Mark moved to North Texas to serve as the lead AP science teacher in Carrolton ISD before joining the St. Mark’s faculty in 2007. Throughout the past 20 years, Mark has been actively involved with the College Board and served as a consultant and leader for AP Institutes both regionally and nationally. 

 

The Cecil H. and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair in Science, one of 16 such Chairs at the School, was established in honor of two visionary leaders who were instrumental in the history and development of St. Mark’s. Together with Eugene and Margaret McDermott, the Greens led the construction of the McDermott-Green Math & Science Quadrangle in 1960, which was widely regarded as one of the nation’s preeminent science education facilities at the time, in addition to funding many other programs, facilities, and teaching positions.