--- title: Leaving a Legacy description: Upon retirement, our headmaster and fearless leader for 18 years, Dr. David Tilley, has made an everlasting mark on MPCS and Christian education as a whole. image: https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/DT%20gradDSC_3630%20(88%20of%20180)crop.jpg --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/leaving-a-legacy#fsPageContent) ## Custom Class: header-utility-outer ## Custom Class: header-utility-bar ## Custom Class: menu-toggle-container ## Custom Class: utility-bar-links - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Custom Class: hp-utility-est EST. 1976 ## Custom Class: utility-shield-icon shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) ## Navigation - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Navigation - [About](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about) - [Who We Are](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about) - [From the Head of School](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/from-the-head-of-school) - [Leadership](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/leadership) - [Faculty and Staff](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/faculty-and-staff) - [History](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/history) - [Campus](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/campus) - [Admission](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission) - [Experience MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission) - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [Apply to MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/apply-to-mpcs) - [Tuition](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tuition) - [Financial Assistance](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/financial-assistance) - [Safety](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/safety) - [Bus Transportation](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/bus-transportation) - [Academics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics) - [Preschool PK3-4 and TK](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/preschool-pk3-4) - [Lower School Grades K-5](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/lower-school-grades-k-5) - [Middle School Grades 6-8](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/middle-school-grades-6-8) - [High School Grades 9-12](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/high-school-grades-9-12) - [Exceptional Learning](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/exceptional-learning) - [Counseling Services](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/counseling-services) - [Innovation](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/innovation) - [Parent Teacher Fellowship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/academics/parent-teacher-fellowship) - [Christian Life](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life) - [Christian Life at MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life) - [Worship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/worship) - [Discipleship](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/discipleship) - [Service](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/service) - [Family Serve Day](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/service/family-serve-day) - [CommUNITY: Diversity and Belonging](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/community) - [Moms and Men of Mount Paran](https://www.mtparanschool.com/christian-life/moms-and-men-of-mount-paran) - [Parent Ed.(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/parent-ed) - [Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts) - [Arts at MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts) - [Performing Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/performing-arts) - [Visual Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/visual-arts) - [Dozier School of the Arts](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/dozier-school-of-the-arts) - [Murray Arts Academy](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/murray-arts-academy) - [Mount Paran Arts Council](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/mount-paran-arts-council) - [Murray Arts Center](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/murray-arts-center) - [LeFevre SoundLab](https://www.mtparanschool.com/arts/lefevre-soundlab) - [Athletics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics) - [MPC Athletics](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics) - [Sports](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports) - [Baseball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/baseball) - [Basketball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/basketball) - [Cheer](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/cheer) - [Cross Country](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/cross-country) - [Dance Team](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/dance-team) - [Esports](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/esports) - [Fishing](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/fishing) - [Flag Football](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/flag-football) - [Football](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/football) - [Golf](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/golf) - [Lacrosse](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/lacrosse) - [Soccer](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/soccer) - [Softball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/softball) - [Sports Medicine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/sports-medicine) - [Strength](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/strength) - [Swimming](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/swimming) - [Tennis](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/tennis) - [Track and Field](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/track-and-field) - [Volleyball](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/volleyball) - [Wrestling](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/sports/wrestling) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Coaching Staff](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/coaching-staff) - [Athletic Facilities](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/athletic-facilities) - [Press](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/press) - [Record Boards](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/record-boards) - [Eagle Backers](https://www.mtparanschool.com/athletics/eagle-backers) - [Alumni](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni) - [Alumni Association](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni) - [Alumni News and Events](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/alumni-news) - [Class Notes](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/alumni-events) - [Forever an Eagle](https://www.mtparanschool.com/alumni/forever-an-eagle) - [Support MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs) - [Giving to MPCS](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs) - [Annual Fund](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) - [Give to Annual Fund](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund/give-to-annual-fund) - [Georgia GOAL](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/georgia-goal) - [Tradition of Generosity](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/tradition-of-generosity) ## Custom Class: header-logo logo\_1.png [![Mount Paran Christian School](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683557268/mtparanschoolcom/nearvhuk9ccj3zjp31pp/logo_1.png)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) ## Custom Class: header-logo mobile logo-mobile.png [![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c0qx2fmh8tstyyp2tbm0.webp)](https://www.mtparanschool.com/) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) ## In This Section Expand Collapse In This Section Navigation - [Weekly Word](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Calendar](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/calendar) - [In the Media](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/in-the-media) - ["From The Mount" Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - ["WingTips" Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - ["Wingspan" Magazine](https://mtparanschool.com/news-and-events/wingspan-magazine) # Leaving a Legacy [STEVE BOHLMANN](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/author/steve-bohlmann) Jun 14, 2018, 1:13:32 PM James Kouzes and Barry Posner, two highly respected leadership researchers and authors, make the following observation in their book entitled *The Leadership Challenge*. “Exemplary leaders know that if they want to gain commitment and achieve the highest standards, they must be models of the behavior they expect of others.” And what an appropriate description of Dr. Tilley’s leadership! When Mount Paran Christian School personnel meet with other educators, both locally and nationally, Dr. Tilley’s name and his profound influence are invariably the first things mentioned in each conversation. Dr. Tilley and Mount Paran Christian School are considered synonymous with one another.  And rightly so! His servant-leadership has garnered great renown.  ##### ![DT gradDSC\_3630 (88 of 180)crop](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DT%20gradDSC_3630%20(88%20of%20180)crop.jpg?width=1443&name=DT%20gradDSC_3630%20(88%20of%20180)crop.jpg) ### **A Trailblazer in Educational Leadership** A nationally respected Christian independent school leader, Dr. Tilley’s influence at Mount Paran Christian School is indelible and has forever changed the landscape of the school he loves. Moreover, Dr. Tilley’s leadership legacy ensures that the school’s reason for existing will not deviate from its transcendent *Why.* Rooted in compelling biblical guidance, the school’s mission - *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth* – is the handiwork of Dr. Tilley’s leadership. As a Christian educator and leader guided by a profound sense of urgency to serve the Lord with excellence, Dr. Tilley’s passionate character as a Christ-follower has breathed life into the Mount Paran Christian School mission, shepherding a spirit of unwavering faithfulness to its principles.  Foundational to Dr. Tilley’s missional focus and leadership influence has been his deep and abiding pastoral commitment to every member of the MPCS community. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul writes, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Dr. Tilley exemplifies this principle. He has invested his life – his time, his expertise, his encouragement, his counsel, and his willingness to listen - into the lives of those God has placed in his path; and he has done so with little concern for the personal costs. And members of the Mount Paran Christian School community, past, present, and future, have been and will continue to be the grateful beneficiaries of his love for people and the school culture that he has built.   ![DT Oct032crop](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DT%20Oct032crop.jpg?width=2769&name=DT%20Oct032crop.jpg) ### **A Visionary for Christian Education** Since Mount Paran Christian School’s inception in 1976, Dr. Tilley’s imagination, insight, inspiration, and fearlessness have played a transformational role. In the early years of the school’s development, Dr. Tilley’s supportive counsel helped shaped its philosophy and strategy for growth. His servant-leadership was evident in his founding of a drug rehabilitation program during this time. Then in 1984, Dr. Tilley officially joined the staff as the school’s Headmaster, a post he held until 1988. Between 1988 and 2004, Dr. Tilley continued his service away from MPCS, holding executive leadership positions in higher education at Lee University and Houghton College. In 2004, Dr. Tilley returned home. And what an important homecoming it became! Since returning, Dr. Tilley has led Mount Paran Christian School through an unprecedented period of strategic growth during which significant advances in programs and campus facilities occurred.  School-wide service opportunities, exponential growth and refinement in curricular offerings and instructional programs, the acquisition of the Murray Arts Center, numerous stadium, fitness, and athletic projects, and plans for a high school innovation center have and will leave a permanent mark on Mount Paran’s academic, arts, athletic, and Christian life programs. Supported by these significant refinements to programs and facilities, MPCS students have thrived in the development of their God-given talents during Dr. Tilley’s leadership tenure. Together, these blessings comprise a powerful legacy of God-ordained leadership. Most important and as previously noted, however, the MPCS mission has continued to thrive under Dr. Tilley’s countercultural and resolute guidance. Therefore, having guided Mount Paran Christian School with visionary and tireless courage, Dr. Tilley’s integrity, love for people, and personal investment in Mount Paran Christian School’s academic, arts, athletic, and Christian life programs have clarified, reinforced, and safeguarded the “unapologetically Christian” mission of the school, a characterization Dr. Tilley has been fond of using and one that sets the standard for everything in which the school engages, now and in the future.   ![DThonorsnight'13589crop](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DThonorsnight'13589crop.jpg?width=2114&name=DThonorsnight'13589crop.jpg) ### **Farewell to a Legacy** On May 16, Dr. Tilley addressed the faculty and staff to share his farewell address, issuing an inspiring charge to the school community.  True to form, gratitude dominated Dr. Tilley’s remarks. He expressed his overwhelming thankfulness to the Lord and those with whom he has served. He reminded faculty and staff that Mount Paran Christian School is the Lord’s school, that it is a “transformational place that proudly bears the name of Jesus,” and that those present possessed a unique and privileged calling to serve the school’s students and families. As Dr. Tilley closed his remarks, he reiterated with uncommon humility a perspective that he has shared several times during the 2017 – 2018 school year, stating that “Mount Paran Christian School’s best days are ahead.”   Community-builder, Peter Strople, once said, “Legacy is not leaving something for people, it is leaving something in people.” While Dr. Tilley is leaving Mount Paran Christian School with scores of tangible blessings for which to be exceedingly grateful, what he has modeled for us, what he has left in us, is his greatest gift.    ---   *Steve Bohlmann serves as the Academic Dean and Director of Directed Studies and Mount Paran Christian School. Dr. David Tilley has completed his eighteenth year as MPCS Headmaster.*  [Click to learn more](http://www.mtparanschool.com/experience) about how a safe, Christ-focused environment with challenging academics, arts, and athletic opportunities develop the character of students.   - [christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-school) - [christ-centered](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christ-centered) - [high school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/high-school) - [Christian Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-life) - [Discipleship](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/discipleship) - [academic rigor](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-rigor) - [bible](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/bible) - [christian education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-education) - [why christian education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/why-christian-education) - [why christian school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/why-christian-school) - [academic excellence](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence) - [best academics in Atlanta](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/best-academics-in-atlanta) - [best academics in cobb county](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/best-academics-in-cobb-county) - [walker school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/walker-school) - [best academics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/best-academics) - [best private school marietta](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/best-private-school-marietta) - [leaving a legacy](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/leaving-a-legacy) - [History of educational leadership](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/history-of-educational-leadership) - [Christian School leadership](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/christian-school-leadership) - [Dr. David Tilley](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/dr-david-tilley) - [Headmaster MPCS](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/headmaster-mpcs) - [independent school leadership](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/independent-school-leadership) - [servant leader](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/servant-leader) - [independent school](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/independent-school) - [Head of Private School](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/head-of-private-school) ![WingTips banner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/2023%20wingtips%20General%20Header.jpg) ## *WingTips* Welcome to *WingTips*, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders. ### Subscribe Here! --- ### Recent Posts --- #### Learn More About MPCS ### Recommended Series #### PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER: - [How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-school-choice-programs-increase-educational-opportunities-for-families) - [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [2 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/2-most-important-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschool) - [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) - [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) - [7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/7-tips-for-affording-a-private-school-education) - [4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-reasons-we-chose-mount-paran-christian-school) - [How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-private-school-for-your-family) - [4 Methods to Meet Every Learner Where They Are](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-methods-to-meet-every-learner-where-they-are) #### PARENTEd. TALKS: - [Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/helping-students-boost-their-brain-capacity-for-success) - [Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/teaching-children-fiscal-responsibility) - [Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-tips-parents-help-teens-avoid-drugs-alcohol) - [Excelling in the Midst of Adversity](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/excelling-in-midst-of-adversity) - [3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-3-tips-navigating-hidden-dangers-social-media) - [The Blessing of a B Minus](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-wendy-mogel-blessing-of-a-b-minus) - [Real Talk for Moms](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-real-talk-for-moms) #### COLLEGE SERIES: - [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) - [ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) - [To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/private-school-529) - [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) #### FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK: - [The Importance of Play](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-importance-of-play) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [Play is Learning Through the Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/play-is-learning-through-the-arts) - [4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-to-capture-students-attention) #### CHRISTIAN LIFE: - [What is a Covenant School?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/what-is-a-covenant-school) - [Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/biblical-worldview) - [Faith and Intellect as One](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/faith-and-intellect-as-one) - [Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-fostering-diverse-culture) - [Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovations-in-education-teaching-cultural-awareness) - [A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/call-to-brotherhood-mlk-wisdom-for-today) - [CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-love-one-another) - [Campaign for CommUNITY](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/campaign-for-community) - [How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-raise-empathetic-children-in-todays-culture) - [Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/imago-dei-why-diversity-matters) - [Praying for Their Future](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/praying-for-their-future) *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.* shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/two_column_files/ti9kmypqeyitndjq73rh.webp)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/best-private-school-in-cobb-county) #### Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 P: (470) 250-0008 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTD8r1s5SeQuPtGW6) - [Twitter(opens in new window/tab)](http://www.twitter.com/mtparanschool) - [Instagram(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.instagram.com/mtparanschool/) - [Facebook(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.facebook.com/MountParanChristianSchool) - [YouTube(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.youtube.com/@MountParanChristianSchool) - [LinkedIn(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.linkedin.com/school/mount-paran-christian-school) #### Resources - [Eagles Nest School Store](https://www.mtparanschool.com/eagles-nest-store) - [Blog(opens in new window/tab)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/) - [Podcast(opens in new window/tab)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/fromthemount) - [Careers](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about/faculty-and-staff) - [Sign In](https://www.mtparanschool.com/login) - [Contact Us](https://www.mtparanschool.com/contact-us) #### Accreditations - [GHSA(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.ghsa.net/) - [CESA(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.cesaschools.org/) - [GISA(opens in new window/tab)](https://gisaschools.org/) - [Cognia(opens in new window/tab)](https://www.cognia.org/) - [SAIS(opens in new window/tab)](https://sais.org/) © 2023 Mount Paran Christian School, All Rights Reserved - [Web Accessibility](https://www.mtparanschool.com/accessibility-statement) - [Privacy](https://www.mtparanschool.com/privacy-policy) - [SiteMap](https://www.mtparanschool.com/site-map) [Powered by Finalsite](https://www.finalsite.com/) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==)