Katherine Koonce
Professional Bio
Dr. Katherine Koonce, a visionary leader and educator, left an indelible mark on The Covenant School in Nashville during her tenure as its head. Her transformative leadership from 2016 until her untimely passing in a tragic event at the school on March 27, 2023, brought about remarkable achievements and lasting change.
Under Katherine’s visionary leadership, The Covenant School witnessed remarkable expansion, with school enrollment surging by over 30%. She led initiatives to elevate athletic and arts programs, rejuvenate playground facilities, and drive the growth of robotics and coding offerings, providing students with cutting-edge opportunities.
Notably, Katherine initiated the groundbreaking Ignite program at Covenant, tailored specifically for 5th and 6th graders, emphasizing faith, leadership, and responsibility, empowering these young learners to embrace their unique potential. Her unwavering commitment to parent involvement also resulted in the development of informative school-based seminars benefitting the broader Nashville community.
Tragically, Katherine Koonce’s life was cut short during a mass shooting at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023. Her unwavering commitment to safety ensured that all teachers had completed active shooter training, a measure that ultimately saved hundreds of lives. Alongside Katherine, five others lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident, including three young students – Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age nine, and two dedicated staff members – substitute teacher Cynthia Peak and custodian Michael Hill.
DSA Presentation Video: https://vimeo.com/882528196/7c74fc4095?share=copy
Under Katherine’s visionary leadership, The Covenant School witnessed remarkable expansion, with school enrollment surging by over 30%. She led initiatives to elevate athletic and arts programs, rejuvenate playground facilities, and drive the growth of robotics and coding offerings, providing students with cutting-edge opportunities.
Notably, Katherine initiated the groundbreaking Ignite program at Covenant, tailored specifically for 5th and 6th graders, emphasizing faith, leadership, and responsibility, empowering these young learners to embrace their unique potential. Her unwavering commitment to parent involvement also resulted in the development of informative school-based seminars benefitting the broader Nashville community.
Tragically, Katherine Koonce’s life was cut short during a mass shooting at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023. Her unwavering commitment to safety ensured that all teachers had completed active shooter training, a measure that ultimately saved hundreds of lives. Alongside Katherine, five others lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident, including three young students – Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age nine, and two dedicated staff members – substitute teacher Cynthia Peak and custodian Michael Hill.
DSA Presentation Video: https://vimeo.com/882528196/7c74fc4095?share=copy
Awards
2023 SAIS Distinguished Service Award