Stanley R. (Randy) Tucker, Jr., headmaster of Girls Preparatory School, has announced to the board of trustees and the GPS community that he will be retiring effective June 30, 2014.
Mr. Tucker, who has guided the all-girls’ independent school for the past 25 years, has overseen three major capital campaigns. The first provided funds for the construction of the C.G. Mills Complex that includes the Frierson Theater, natatorium, Caldwell Fitness Center, new gymnasium and administrative offices completed in 1990.
The second produced the Elizabeth Lupton Davenport Middle School in 1999, and the most recent campaign, concluded in 2008, allowed the addition of a new dining hall and the C. Ben Harnsberger Student Center. In addition, the campaigns have strengthened the endowment and the financial aid program for deserving students.
Pat Conroy, chairman of the board, said in his letter to the GPS community, “The school has enjoyed unprecedented campus growth…and under (his) leadership, we have maintained a balanced budget and brought GPS through some of our country’s most trying financial years.
“Randy Tucker is a quintessential leader,” said Mr. Conroy, “and we have been blessed to have him as Headmaster. We look forward to having him at the helm for the next two years and are confident that he will leave GPS in great stead and poised for future growth under new leadership.”
Board member Lizzer Bright Graham ’77, chair of the committee that will undertake the search process for a new head of school, said, “The board is already planning a national search to commence this summer, with new leadership selected by fall of 2013. Our goal is to ensure a seamless and effective transition.”
The school was founded in 1906 and has had only seven heads of school. Mr. Tucker, in his announcement letter, gave much of the credit for the school’s success to the “legions of teachers who have so lovingly mentored our girls. Their efforts to modernize the school have resulted in national recognition as well as the unparalleled success of our girls in college and in life. They have never wavered in their commitment to the girls and the Founders’ vision of integrity, service, respect, and responsibility.”