Head of School Albert Throckmorton Announces Retirement

A Message from Head of School Albert Throckmorton

Dear St. Mary’s Community,

With gratitude and deep love for this community, I will complete my tenure as St. Mary’s Head of School in the Spring of 2027. In giving the Board of Trustees nearly two years’ notice, I intend to place the search for the next head in the best possible position.

When I first joined St. Mary’s in 2004, I was impressed by the school's academic excellence and caring community. Eight years later, when the Board appointed me as head, I described St. Mary’s as “old and improved.” It is an institution that knows its core strengths, cherishes its traditions, and lives out its values. At the same time, it is a school that continually innovates to serve each girl’s future.

Over the years, it has been a joy to know St. Mary’s alumnae transformed by this school and to be inspired by parents who understand the power of this community. It has been an honor to work alongside the most devoted faculty and staff I have known in my 36-year career, and to share the leadership with a dedicated and supportive board and an amazingly talented team of administrators.

St. Mary’s is poised for a remarkable next chapter. We are the #1 girls school in Tennessee and are known nationally among an exceptional group of peer schools. We are debt-free, and our campus master plan is complete. We are supported by a strong Board of Trustees and a healthy school-church partnership. We are a caring community defined by our Episcopal tradition of embracing everyone. Our faculty and staff make this school daily one of excellence, belonging, honor, and courage. And among all of these strengths, our students shine brightest.

My headship began 13 years ago when the youngest students were in PK (before our two-year-old St. Mary’s Place program existed). In May 2027, I will commence with that same group of students. The next two years will allow me time to properly thank all who have strengthened St. Mary’s and give the Trustees sufficient time to select the school’s next leader. I look forward to more collaboration, achievement, and dreaming as we continue to challenge and support each girl to discover her unique purpose and reach her individual potential.

In Light and Life,

 

 

Albert Throckmorton
Head of School

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A Message from Board of Trustees Chair Susan Whitten Graber '86

Dear St. Mary’s Community, 

We are truly blessed to have had Albert Throckmorton at the helm of St. Mary’s for over 13 years. It is rare for a school to be the beneficiary of such a long and impactful Head of School tenure.

In his time as the Head of School at St. Mary’s, Albert has spearheaded two major capital projects – the Athletic and Wellness Center and the renovation and expansion of Moss Hall  –increased our endowment, led our COVID response, guided our community through grief and celebration, and built an administrative team that has elevated the school to a new level of excellence.

In addition to these tremendous accomplishments, Albert has been St. Mary’s’ most enthusiastic cheerleader and advocate for all-girls education. He can be found on any given afternoon supporting our Turkeys at sporting events, mock trial sessions, and plays (even making cameo appearances in shows such as Annie and Our Town). His chapel talks are legendary and whip-smart, as are his ever-present bow ties.

Albert has been a leader beyond our campus as well, serving as Vice President of One Schoolhouse, Trustee for both the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), President of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and President of the Heads Collegiate Forum. He is highly respected – locally, regionally, and nationally – for his expertise gained from over 30 years in independent school administration and leadership.

The St. Mary’s Board of Trustees is looking toward the future by conducting a national search for our next Head of School. Jeffrey Block, a St. Mary’s Trustee and parent, has agreed to join me in co-chairing the search committee, and we are presently interviewing national search firms to guide us in this process. As Albert has mentioned, St. Mary’s is well-positioned to attract a talented leader. He will continue to serve as head through the 2026-27 school year, which will give us plenty of runway to conduct such a search, as well as time to celebrate him and the many contributions he has made to St. Mary's.

Albert, thank you for all you have done to make St. Mary’s the premier school for girls – the #1 in Tennessee! We owe so much to your stewardship.

Sincerely yours,

 

 

Susan Whitten Graber ’86
Chair, St. Mary’s Board of Trustees

 

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