Community Spotlight: Saint Stephen's Head of School Completes Doctoral Program

Jan Pullen

BRADENTON – Every year Saint Stephen's Episcopal School celebrates the graduation of its high school seniors as 100% of them matriculate to college. This year, however, is more unique than most.

On April 24, 2013, Head of School Jan Pullen successfully defended her dissertation on emotional intelligence as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania.  

Ms. Pullen has been attending classes at the Graduate School of Education Mid-Career Doctoral Program one weekend per month for the past three years, and she will receive her doctorate degree in educational leadership during graduation ceremonies to be held at Penn on Saturday, May 11^th.

Ms. Pullen commented, "The educational courses in the program have been cutting edge and have allowed me to bring back many new ideas to the school. I have been wonderfully supported by my family and the entire faculty, staff, administration, board of trustees and parents of Saint Stephen's through this amazing journey. As one who loves to learn, this experience was something I had always dreamed to achieve, and this dream came true!" 

Ms. Pullen has been involved as an administrator with Saint Stephen's for twenty-five years and is celebrating her tenth year as Head of School. Jan serves on the community board at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus, the board of directors of Global Outreach Tanzania, and is a sustaining member of Junior League of Manatee County and the Service Club of Manatee County.

About Saint Stephen's Episcopal School

Saint Stephen's Episcopal School is a private, co-educational, college preparatory day school located in Bradenton, FL, delivering a world-class education. At every level, from PK3 through grade 12, students are nurtured, encouraged and supported in their academic pursuits, benefiting from programs and educational models that have proven successful for Saint Stephen's students who are excelling today in colleges and universities around the country. For more information about Saint Stephen's, please visit www.saintstephens.org.