New CC Headmaster, Robin Scott!

My induction into the Coram Deo Academy family began this spring, and I can already see how so many aspects of my childhood parallel that of our students and families.

Having grown up in a small town with my school nearby, I understand the character of a small school, small classes, and the unique challenges students are likely to face in such an environment.

As a member of a class of 60 students (which is a little larger than our current CDA class sizes) my membership in almost every club and sport was necessary for the activity to “make.” During my senior year alone, I found myself as the treasurer of our class, the president of Future Homemakers of America (for the younger generation, this is the “cooking and sewing” class from your grandparents’ era), Spanish club vice president, varsity cheerleader, member of the track team, and bookkeeper for basketball (no one needed to see me playing!). And then, there is the social aspect of growing up with the same kids for many years—they know you well, or they think they do. With this comes comfort and familiarity, and oftentimes, forgotten manners and hurt feelings. Always remember to be kind!

After high school, I went on to attend Texas Christian University where I would graduate with a BBA in Marketing. While at TCU, God sent great friends my way who led me to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Campus Crusade for Christ. Although I became a Christian as a young girl, it was during my college years that I began feeling and seeing God’s workmanship in my life. Among the highlights was a Spring Break trip to Daytona Beach to witness to other college students. During this time, I also worked at a Christian sports camp in New Braunfels called T Bar M. This is where I fell deeper in love with Christ and found that I really enjoyed working with kids. I also learned how little sleep I needed to be ready each day for rambunctious kids on summer break. Oh, to go back to these days would be the icing on the cake!

During the first years following graduation, I worked in corporate America, and it was during this time that I was reminded of my passion for working with kids, which is what I always thought I would do. After serving for several years as a special education teacher in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD and Plano ISD, I decided to return to school where I obtained an MEd in Educational Administration from Texas Women’s University. After graduating, I joined Frisco ISD and was an assistant principal for four years and spent the next 17 as a principal, opening Stafford Middle School in 2008 as the head principal. After almost three decades in public education, where I had always felt God calling me to be, I began to experience something that I had never experienced in my career. All the while learning and growing still, I just could not shake the feeling that God was telling me that it was time to leave. If you knew me and the campus I had served for 15 years, and opened as principal when my kids were in 6th grade, you would think I had lost my mind! I had an amazing staff, great students and families, and a successful, well-run campus. But God was making it evident that I needed to let go and let Him lead me to where I was supposed to be for this next chapter. And then this verse from Jeremiah 29:11 was everywhere: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And you know the rest of that story as I now serve as the Headmaster of CDA’s Collin County campus!

Over recent weeks, I have spent much of my time building relationships with the staff, students, and parents. Getting to hear from these stakeholders has been so beneficial and a great way for me to see through their eyes what is the heart and core of our school community. There are so many amazing things

happening here that make this campus special and are a part of the culture. I know preserving that will be important. In my meetings with various people, I have also listened intently to areas where they feel we could continue to grow. As someone new to CDA, I have been able to observe current structures and ask questions about their purpose and effectiveness. As I do not feel the vision of a campus should solely be determined by one person, I want to continue to get feedback from those who have been a part of this school family longer than I, as well as those who will be joining us in coming school years. I know that together, we can create a great vision for our campus. Our focus will always be on glorifying Christ in all that we do and say and ensuring that these words and actions enable others to see us as ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.

And I would be remiss not to include my biggest cheerleaders in this chapter of my life, other than God of course, in my story. My husband, Joel, and I just celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary, and through every stage of life he has been there to support me. We were blessed 26 years ago with triplets, Cameron, McKenna, and Paige, who each turned out to be spectacular humans, and thankfully live not too far away!

The opportunity to serve at CDA has been one that I never imagined, but God did! Sometimes it has seemed unbelievable that He would take a small-town girl like me, and place her in such a wonderful place to continue to lead and serve. It has felt like a dream, so please don’t wake me up.