In 1991, William Clarkson IV took the job as The Westminster School’s fourth president. He’s retiring in June after more than two decades of what school officials have described as his “transformative leadership.” Clarkson has called his years at Westminster the happiest of his career.
As he prepares to retire, Reporter Newspapers asked him five questions about his career and about the private Buckhead school he has headed for 23 years. Here are his answers.
Q. What drew you into education?
A. I had a deep desire to give back to students and schools because my own life and world were changed through great teachers and the schools I attended. There is also a spiritual dimension in every person’s life, and I wanted to contribute there as well.
Q. How have The Westminster Schools changed during your tenure as president?
A. I believe we have continued to grow and mature as a Christian school committed to diversity, inclusion, service, and all that is excellent in education!
Q. What is the role of a private school like The Westminster Schools in the community or the “landscape” of Atlanta educational institutions?
A. Yes, we are committed to excellence in education, preparing students for college and for life. Even more important, I believe, is the commitment to serving others in our community, extending the love of Christ to every person in our diverse community, and helping students develop a moral compass and the character to help make the world a better place.
Q. What do you foresee as the future for schools such as The Westminster Schools?
A. Schools that can effectively manage expenses and costs while maintaining and/or increasing quality, and remaining committed to the school’s mission (see above), will flourish.
Q. What’s next for you?
A. Executive coaching and consulting.