Garrison to retire as San Marcos Baptist Academy president

SAN MARCOS—John Garrison plans to retire next spring as president of San Marcos Baptist Academy, a position he has held since August 2008.

John Garrison“My six years at the academy have been among the most meaningful in my 47 years in educational administration,” Garrison said. “I have felt privileged every day to be part of such a special student ministry and such a caring and engaging learning community. I will work closely with the board to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership at the academy, and I will be available to assist the board and the new president in any way that I can once the new president has been named.”

Clay Sullivan, chair of the academy’s board of trustees, praised Garrison for his exceptional leadership.

“I thank him for so faithfully giving of himself, his knowledge, his talents and his life. John and his wife, Carol, have been a great team and have touched the lives of so many students, families and staff who fill the many varied roles at San Marcos Baptist Academy,” Sullivan said.

During Garrison’s tenure as president, the academy more than doubled its day student enrollment.

100 years of accreditation

Garrison guided the academy twice through successful accreditation site visits by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In April 2013, the academy celebrated 100 years of continuous accreditation—one of only three private schools in Texas to achieve this milestone.

Under Garrison’s leadership, the academy constructed the Lee Hage Jamail Special Event Center, which includes a varsity gymnasium, alumni Hall of Honor and the first academic classroom space added to the campus in more than 30 years.

Other capital improvement projects included addition of a ropes/challenge course, renovation of the Katherine Shultz Lecture Hall and the school cafeteria, addition of a new front entrance with a security gate and roadway upgrades, and completion of a riding arena, along with rebuilding the agricultural barn and equestrian facilities.

Garrison led development efforts that raised more than $4.5 million for the academy, and he developed strategic partnerships and relationship with foundations that resulted in almost $1 million in campus improvements, Sullivan noted.

‘We are on the right track’

Garrison expressed appreciation to the academy’s students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni. He praised the leadership and devotion of the trustees for their support.

“I could not be more pleased with the progress we have made, which is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our academic priorities committee, our faculty and staff, and our development and alumni affairs office,” Garrison said. “I firmly believe that we are on the right track, and that the future of the academy will be in good hands as we transition to new leadership.”

A three-person search committee, composed of trustees, is conducting the search for Garrison’s replacement.

Prospects are invited to submit documentation of interest and qualifications to San Marcos Baptist Academy, 2801 Ranch Road Twelve, San Marcos, TX 78666, Attn: Presidential Search Committee, or email humanresources@smba.org for an application.