Gilmour Academy Welcomes New Leadership for Upper School

Gilmour Academy is proud to introduce Mr. Matt Stepnowsky as its new Director of the Upper School, effective July 1. 2024.

 

Mr. Stepnowsky earned his Master of Education Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2012 and his Master of Education in Secondary Education from Providence College in 2005. He also attended Providence College for undergrad, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. 

 

Mr. Stepnowsky joins Gilmour from fellow Holy Cross school St. Edward High School, where he has worked since 2007, most recently serving as principal. Prior to his role as principal, from 2016-2022, Mr. Stepnowsky was the Dean of Academics and Director of International Baccalaureate Programs. During that time, he spearheaded St. Ed’s IB Program, growing it from 30 students to more than 200. From 2014-2016, he served as the IB Middle Years Program Coordinator and Associate Academic Dean. In this role, he was the pedagogical leader for Grades 9-10 at St. Ed’s and Grades 6-8 at Lakewood Catholic Academy and was tasked with managing the vertical and horizontal alignment of curricula between two unique campuses. Finally, he built St. Ed’s film department, curating a comprehensive curriculum that integrates scriptwriting, production and post-production, and, in the 10 years since he launched the department, four student groups have won production awards from The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys). 

 

Mr. Stepnowsky brings vast experience as well as expertise in the areas of strategic planning, student engagement, communication, curriculum development and implementation, and leadership and team management. 

 

Asked about his new role at Gilmour, Mr. Stepnowsky shared, “I am incredibly blessed to join Gilmour Academy as the Director of the Upper School. After spending 16 years committed to Holy Cross education, the mission and values of the Congregation are branded on my heart and my soul. The Gilmour mission resonates deeply with my own values and educational philosophy. I can’t wait to contribute to a community that champions developing the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society. I truly believe education is transformative, especially when grounded in faith and family. Family is everything to me. I can’t wait to develop deep relationships with our students, my colleagues, our parents, guardians and alumni. I’m excited to continue to nurture what I already know is a vibrant sense of family and community at Gilmour.”