New Academic Dean Appointed
Steven D. Wall, Ed.D., has been hired as the academic dean of Oak Ridge Military Academy. Wall replaces Eileen O’Reilly, who resigned from the Academy in June after 6 years of service. Assistant Dean, Caroline McKaughan, is serving as the acting dean until Wall starts his new position in early August.
“When I first heard of the opportunity at Oak Ridge Military Academy, I was eager to meet the people and see the campus,” Wall said. “A few days later I met the president, Mr. Haynes, and was struck by his passion and commitment. Shortly after that initial meeting, I had the opportunity to interview for the position of academic dean and was once again impressed by the people I met. Their honesty and desire to do what was best for the students of Oak Ridge made the possibility of joining the team an easy decision,” he added.
“As an educator, I see learning as necessary to the development of leaders. There is no greater place to encourage the growth of leaders than where learning is valued, so I am grateful that the opportunity to serve Oak Ridge materialized. I look forward to what the future holds.”
Wall has been an educator and administrator for 16+ years, teaching both regionally and abroad in the cultural settings of Thailand, Japan and Kenya. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science education from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in school administration from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“We are fortunate to welcome Dr. Steven D. Wall to our Academy,” said John Haynes, president of ORMA. “Dr. Wall stood out among many highly qualified candidates for his commitment to developing all students, not only in the classroom, but in all areas of their lives. He has a track record of building strong relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members, and he will be a key force in Oak Ridge’s continuing efforts to meet the needs of each individual Cadet.”
Wall and his wife, Carri, are in the process of relocating back to their North Carolina roots, and he will begin his new role at ORMA on August 7, two weeks prior to the start of the new school year.