News Detail

Bye-bye to Bowties: Mr. Alig Decides to Leave SJS

Samantha Neal
After his 13th year at SJS, Head of the English Department Dan Alig will return to his second hometown in Atlanta to become Principal of the Upper School at the Lovett School.
After his 13th year at SJS, Head of the English Department Dan Alig will return to his second hometown in Atlanta to become Principal of the Upper School at the Lovett School.

Alig went through a lengthy interview process that involved a trip to the school and both group and one-on-one interviews.

“When you go through a process like this, it brings to the fore your strengths; it also makes you aware of your weaknesses," Alig said.

Lovett offered Alig the position early last week.

“Schools are complex and present lots of challenges, so it’s daunting to think about what the future is going to entail,” Alig said. “I’m a little daunted and a little humbled but also excited, exhilarated."

Former interim headmaster Dr. Jim Hendrix was headmaster of the Lovett School. In addition, former headmaster John Allman graduated from the Lovett School in 1975 and served as Principal of the Upper School there before coming to SJS.

“John Allman was one of my mentors, and the idea of following his lead there is sure appealing,” Alig said.

Alig also looks forward to learning from Lovett’s current headmaster, Billy Peebles and the new experience.

“I think it’s really important for me as a lifelong learner that I encounter a new school environment and see how another fine independent school works,” Alig said. “I’ve had a lot of different roles at St. John’s and I’m looking forward to having one role that unifies all of them, that will give me a more global vision of how a school works: the academic piece, the student life piece, the college counseling piece, the parent and family piece—all of them together.”

“This is an outstanding opportunity and provides him with a launching pad to become a Head of School anywhere he desires. We wish him all the best,” Headmaster Mark Desjardins said.
Alig also accepted the job for personal reasons.

“Lovett is in Atlanta and Atlanta is my second hometown. I went to college [Emory] in Atlanta, I came of age in Atlanta, so being back among those hills and trees appeals to me,” Alig said.

Though Alig grew up in Ohio, he has family in Atlanta and he anticipates reconnecting with both them and the city.

“In many respects it feels like going home, but St. John’s has been incredible to me in the last 12 plus years, and Houston has been wonderful,” Alig said. “I met my wife here, we’ve raised our son here, and I’ve learned how to teach at St. John’s. This place will always be near and dear to my heart.”

Alig admits that he will miss many parts of SJS, especially the people.

“There is not another school that I have seen up close and personally that has this much intellectual energy,” Alig said. “I’m going to miss this daily intellectual challenge and the creativity here.”

He still remembers clearly his favorite moments in the classroom.

“There are 5 or 6 moments in the classroom that have been utterly hilarious, utterly engaging, when things have just clicked: the kids have produced jaw-dropping insights about Hamlet or about Pride and Prejudice, they’re having fun, they’re laughing about their discoveries, they’ve forgotten that they’re working and learning,” Alig said.

With Alig departing at the end of this academic year, Head of the Upper School Kef Wilson plans to collect applications for English Department Chair and conduct interviews over the next two months. Desjardins and Wilson hope to involve the new Upper School Head in the process later this year.

Alig’s colleagues will miss him when he departs for Georgia this summer.

“Mr. Alig has made many meaningful contributions to the Upper School and positively impacted the lives of many students, families, and colleagues,” Wilson said. “His departure is a loss for St. John's, and he will be missed by many. That said, I am very happy for him and confident he will do well at Lovett.”

Alyyah Malick
Assignments Editor
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