Division Heads Appointed

St. Mark’s School of Texas announced Friday, Feb. 2, that two St. Mark’s faculty members have been appointed to key administrative positions following highly competitive national searches that began last summer.

Speaking to Upper School students in assembly, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini announced that William Atkinson ’95, humanities teacher and St. Mark’s alumnus, has been appointed to serve as the next Head of Upper School. Earlier in the day, Mr. Dini announced that Fine Arts Department Chair Marion Glorioso-Kirby, who is serving as Interim Head of Lower School this year, has been named as the permanent Head of Lower School. 

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini said, “I could not be more pleased, proud, or grateful to have these exceptional individuals stepping into such important leadership roles. Marion and William share a deep love for this community and are devoted to our core mission and values. I know they will continue to guide, mentor, and support Marksmen on every corner of this campus. It is deeply gratifying that after such lengthy, competitive searches, the right leaders for the future were already in our community.”

Mrs. Glorioso-Kirby began her St. Mark’s career in 2004 as Lower School drama teacher. She has taught drama in all three divisions and served as class sponsor in the junior-senior rotation, in addition to holding the Anthony Vintcent Fine Arts Department Chair. She earned a B.F.A. degree from the University of Oklahoma in theater performance and an M.L.A. degree from Southern Methodist University. Mrs. Glorioso-Kirby was selected as the Baccalaureate speaker for the Class of 2022 and is a recipient of the John H. Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award. Additionally, she has led student trips domestically and abroad, including international choir tours to England and South Africa. She has also sponsored the Improv Troup and the Fine Arts Board, among other things. Marion and her husband Nathan are the proud parents of three young children, including two Marksmen.  
 
“In so many ways, St. Mark’s is my home. I am truly honored by this appointment and thrilled to be working alongside so many talented and dedicated colleagues in the Lower School,” Mrs. Glorioso-Kirby said. “To be greeted each and every morning with bright eyes and smiling faces fills my heart with joy.” 
 
Returning to his alma mater in 2021 as a member of the faculty, Mr. Atkinson had previously been teaching and coaching part-time at St. Mark’s while completing a master’s degree in education at Southern Methodist University, where he also completed his undergraduate degree. As a student at St. Mark’s, he was a competitive, multi-sport athlete, National Merit Semifinalist, and member of Lion and Sword who earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. A natural servant-leader, he will step into the Head of Upper School role and bring not only a diverse array of meaningful leadership experiences, but also a passion for teaching, a devotion to public service,  and a deep commitment to advancing our long-term mission. In addition to teaching humanities, Mr. Atkinson has coached Middle and Upper School sports, led boys on wilderness trips including the Pecos and set a positive example for Marksmen. William and his wife Jacquelin are the parents of a young daughter who attends Hockaday. 
 
Mr. Atkinson commented on his appointment saying, “I know how important the connection between the boys and our School is during their years here and once they graduate. Attending St. Mark’s was one of the greatest privileges of my life, and espousing the values of a Marksman is one of the greatest responsibilities of my life.” 
   
Search committees were formed early last fall to guide these important efforts. Serving on the Upper School committee were Headmaster David Dini, Associate Headmaster and Interim Head of Upper School John Ashton, Head of Middle School Dean Clayman, Director of Counseling Dr. Gabby Reed, and English Department Chair Michael Morris. Serving on the Lower School committee were David Dini, John Ashton, Dean Clayman, Director of Physical and Experiential Education Mark Sullivan, and Lower School teacher Teri Broom. The searches were also supported by experienced national consultants who worked in close partnership with the School to ensure that they attracted the strongest candidate pools from across the country.

“Our goal from the beginning was to ensure that we identified individuals who were aligned with our mission and possessed the personal and professional qualities that would make us better. Additionally, we wanted to make sure that the individuals who took on these roles were committed to serving St. Mark’s well into the future. Thankfully, we were able to meet these priorities,” Mr. Dini concluded.