Around this time last year, news that saddened the hearts of many was revealed: Jim Marsh will retire after the 2012-2013 school year. For the past 28 years, Marsh has served as an outstanding leader, and many were unsure what a new headmaster would mean for the future of Westminster. But God’s plan for WCA does not halt at Marsh’s retirement; it continues on to adopt a new headmaster, Dr. Tom Stoner.

Dr. Stoner grew up as the youngest of four children in Wheaton, Illinois. He went to public schools until he entered high school, where he attended a private, Christian school, Wheaton Academy. He went on to Wheaton College, where he was part of the class of ’89.

“My youth pastors and Christian-school teachers were very influential in my life, so I studied Christian Education at Wheaton, preparing to be a youth pastor or in some kind of Christian ministry,” said Dr. Stoner.

Dr. Stoner went to seminary at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary near Boston, and completed his Master of Divinity. Last spring, Dr. Stoner completed his Doctor of Education degree at Boston University. Dr. Stoner is enthusiastic about his passion for learning.

“I loved studying Bible and theology and learned a tremendous amount about God’s plan for the world,” said Dr. Stoner.
Dr. Stoner has been married to his wife Carrie for 22 years. They have four children: Lauren, who is currently a freshman; Emily, seventh grade; David, fourth grade; and Jonathan, second grade.

In high school, Dr. Stoner was a landscaper and then a bank teller in college. Throughout seminary, he was a church custodian, and two years later he was an assistant pastor. For sixteen years, he was the Head of School at Covenant Christian Academy in Massachusetts.

Dr. Stoner was drawn to Westminster because he saw how abundantly God has blessed the school, and he was eager to be a part of it all. Founded in 1976, WCA has grown to a point where it is now recognized as one of the top Christian schools in America.

“Westminster will not only shape the lives of its current students and the next generation of students that will go to school here, but it is also poised to influence for good the whole field of Christian schooling in America and throughout the world. I want to be part of that effort and help in any way that I can,” said Dr. Stoner.
Dr. Stoner looks forward to forming relationships with the Westminster community.

“I am most excited about getting to know the students and watching them use and develop their God-given talents in the classroom, in academic clubs, in sports, and in the arts. I am excited to see how God will use them to impact our world as they become the people he created them to be.  I am also excited about joining Westminster’s outstanding faculty and staff,” said Dr. Stoner.

Rather than implement immediate changes, Dr. Stoner prefers to continue advancing Westminster on its current path.

“As I think about beginning at Westminster, my highest priority is to get to know the people in the school community, to learn about the school’s history and culture, and to understand the keys to its success. I’d like to see us continue in the direction we are heading,” said Dr. Stoner.

From Chicago to Boston, Dr. Stoner is no stranger to the effects of cold weather. The future looks bright for those who will be wanting a snow day or two in years to come.
“I have made it a personal goal to be as generous, or more generous, with snow days as Mr. Marsh,” said Dr. Stoner.

Aside from issues regarding the school, some may be concerned that due to Dr. Stoner’s hometown, his loyalties will not lie with the Cardinals.

“Because I was raised near Chicago, I figure it is only a matter of time before people find out that my father and my brother are big Cubs’ fans. However, after taking the job at Westminster, I told my father and brother that they are dead to me now. So I hope that the people of St. Louis will not see this as an ongoing problem,” said Dr. Stoner.