Head of School Chris Gunnin is Appointed ISAS Board President

As newly appointed president of the board of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), Head of School Chris Gunnin recalls his long history being a part of the organization both professionally and personally. 

“I am a proud graduate of an ISAS school, and during my career in teaching and educational leadership, I have worked in three ISAS schools. I have benefitted personally and professionally from the work of ISAS for over forty years, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead and support the ISAS staff and the association. In the last two years, the association has worked to develop a strategic plan; supporting and leading the association as we implement that plan will be one of my primary charges as president of the ISAS board,” says Gunnin.

 

ISAS was founded in 1955 by Casady School in Oklahoma and seven other Texas schools: The Hockaday School, The Kinkaid School, Saint Mary’s Hall, St. John’s School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, St. Mark’s School and Texas Military Institute. Its mission is to “encourage, support and develop highest standards of attainment in the independent schools of the area.” While the Association has grown and now accredits over 90 schools in six states, the mission to “promote the highest standards of educational excellence” remains.

“In this new role, I am eager to support the association and each of its member schools in the fulfillment of this mission,” says Gunnin. “By serving as the president of ISAS, I will also be at the heart of rich conversations about the current and future states of independent schools in the region. Being a part of those conversations with my counterparts across the associations and with the ISAS staff will certainly strengthen the perspective and knowledge that I bring to my ongoing work here at St. Stephen's.”

Gunnin’s term became active in July 2024 and will be served until 2027. In addition to this role, Gunnin is also completing his three-year term as President of the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC), and he serves on the board of trustees of the Southern Association of Episcopal Schools.