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Photo by Tessa Marie Images
Haverford Township resident Margaret Fox-Tully has spent her entire career in various forms of education. After 15 years as a teacher, she transitioned to higher education, working for three university presidents. Fox-Tully recently left her position at Princeton University to take over as head of school for Drexel Hill’s Holy Child Academy.
MLT: Was being a head of school always a goal?
MFT: It was for several years. After working for a third president, I thought I’d like to collaborate with faculty and staff around my own vision and get us all moving in concert around the same goal.
MLT: What is your vision for Holy Child’s future?
MFT: Next year will be our 90th anniversary, so that will be a great time to say, “What will the next 90 look like?” One of the strengths of this school is its performing arts program. I want to push that forward. We’re actively working to fundraise for a STEAM lab. The arts are so central to our curriculum that it makes sense.
MLT: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
MFT: Really getting to know the students better. My secret mission every day is to learn at least two students’ names.
MLT: Why a career in education?
MFT: In college, a friend at a small private school asked if I’d come in and teach when a teacher suddenly became ill. I taught a few grades and fell in love with it. So I switched my major to education.
MLT: Was the Catholic aspect important?
MFT: I’ve worked in both Catholic and secular institutions. At Cabrini University, I was the vice president for mission. I loved working with faculty who were committed to integrating service into the curriculum. It gives us a platform to talk about service and the values that guide people’s lives.
