Subiaco Academy
December 7, 2023
Subiaco Academy Board Announces a Second Contract Extension for Headmaster David Wright
Extension will continue the stability and growth in mission and ministry that Dr. Wright has brought to the Academy.
Subiaco, Arkansas. The Board of Trustees at Subiaco Academy is pleased to announce that they have approved a second contract extension with Headmaster Dr. David Wright. The extension is for an additional two-year contract beginning on July 1, 2024, with the option for a third year beginning on July 1, 2026.
Dr. Wright began his sixth year and his current contract extension with Subiaco Academy on July 1, 2023.
During his tenure at the Academy, Dr. Wright has emphasized unity and community building among the constituents at Subiaco including students and their families; the faculty, staff, monks, alumni; and friends of the institution. He led a campaign to position the school’s identity, mission, and philosophy statements along with brand standard guidelines to align with the Catholic and Benedictine traditions of Subiaco. He created and implemented a first-of-a-kind parallel curriculum focusing on identifying and building positive character traits among the students. In collaboration with the Board of Trustees, Dr. Wright piloted a visionary strategic planning process that resulted in several initiatives that have strengthened the Academy. On the student life front, he has championed a robust outdoor adventure program that is fast becoming a staple at the Academy. The physical footprint of the institution has seen significant upgrades during his time as the Chief Executive, which includes 90% of the academic classrooms and laboratories.
Mr. Pat Nolte, Board President, states: “The Subiaco Academy Board of Trustees is delighted that Dr. David Wright has again agreed to extend his employment contract and continue serving as Academy Headmaster. In this role, consistency and stability are critically important; this second extension affords Dr. Wright the opportunity to keep on utilizing his leadership skills and the Academy to continue receiving the benefits of him doing so.”
According to Abbot Elijah Owens, OSB, “Subiaco Academy has been blessed with an extraordinary list of men leading our institution since its founding in 1887. Dr. Wright became the 33rd head of the school when he was first employed by our Board in 2018 as the new Headmaster. Since then, David's vision and leadership have formed hundreds of young men, even as our state, regional, and national educational rankings rose to extraordinary heights. As the Board of Trustees now extends David's contract, we cannot think of a more committed and dedicated person of faith to continue the legacy of our educational apostolate. On behalf of the Subiaco monastic community, we say, "well done" and "thank you" for your willingness to continue serving our Academy. Onward, Trojans!”
Upon accepting the contract extension, Dr. Wright expressed “I am deeply humbled to accept this contract extension and to continue the important work that happens here at Subiaco every day. It is an honor to serve as headmaster at the Academy as we pursue the principle of growing our students graciously to manhood. It is an extraordinary blessing for Cindy and me to work, live, and pray in community with our monastic brothers. We have thoroughly enjoyed learning and growing in faith alongside the monks. I appreciate the faith that the Board of Trustees has shown in me and the ever-present collaboration of my colleagues here on the Hill. I look forward to continuing to build on the positive momentum we have realized recently and humbly serving the students, their families, our staff, alumni, and monks into the future."
Before his arrival at Subiaco, Dr. Wright served in multiple capacities over a 30-plus year career at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Cindy, have enjoyed living in Arkansas and exploring the surrounding area. The entire Wright clan enjoys all that the natural state has to offer, especially hiking, mountain biking, and boating on the rivers and lakes.