Staff file photo / Dr. Autumn Graves, the head of Girls Preparatory School, resigns. Dr. Autumn A. Graves, Girls Preparatory School's head of school since 2014, has resigned to accept the head of school position at a Charlottesville, Virginia, institution.
According to a news release, Graves will remain at GPS until the end of the 2019-20 school year, after which she will take over at St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville.
"Dr. Graves has been an outstanding leader for GPS, modeling the pioneering spirit of our founders," Dr. Rebecca Stimson, chairwoman of the GPS Board of Trustees, said in a letter to parents, alumnae and friends. "She is a creative and tireless leader who has brought fresh ideas, great energy, and talent to the halls of GPS. She will be remembered for her commitment to continued excellence and for initiating new traditions and additions to the GPS campus."
Dr. Kirk Walker, retired headmaster of McCallie School, former GPS trustee and past GPS parent, will serve as interim head of school for the 2020-21 school year. Most recently, Dr. Walker served as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools.
"We expect our interim year under Dr. Walker's leadership to be one of continued progress in the important work of preparing girls for the 21st century," Stimson said in the release. "The Board of Trustees will immediately form a search committee for a new Head of School and, due to GPS's national reputation as a top school for girls, expects to attract a large pool of highly qualified candidates."
Graves noted in her resignation letter to the board that taking the Virginia position will enable her young children to have both of their parents in their daily lives. Graves' husband, Vann, is executive director of Brandcenter, a master's program in advertising, business and marketing at Virginia Commonwealth University.
St. Anne's-Belfield School, a coeducational, independent boarding and day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, is located near the University of Virginia, where Graves received her undergraduate degree.
"My time at GPS has been marked by professional and personal growth," Graves said in the release. "The girls have inspired me to be my best self, and I have loved working on their behalf with the teachers, staff, coaches, alumnae, parents, and trustees. I have learned that the GPS dress uniform is a visual representation of girls who are strong, thoughtful, resilient, and honorable. The GPS community will always have a special place in my heart."