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Escambia Academy’s board of directors Monday announced the hire of Susan Kirk as the school’s next headmaster.

Kirk, who has 28 years experience in education, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama. Additionally, Kirk has 20 years of administrative experience in grades K-12.

“If it is possible to be completely humbled, honored and beyond excited at the same time, that is how I would describe my emotions at this point,” Kirk said in a statement. “I have often said that when I retired, I wanted to come be headmaster at Escambia Academy, but I never in my wildest dreams expected it to come true. I am so thankful to the board of directors for allowing me the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, parents and stakeholders of Escambia Academy. God’s timing is amazing, and I have absolutely no doubt that this is where I have been sent to serve.”

Kirk is no stranger to EA.

Her family has been a part of the Cougars for almost 40 years. Her husband, Chris Kirk, graduated from EA in 1986 and was a member of the first state championship basketball team. Chris later served as president of the board for five years and as the voice of the Cougars for 20 years as their three children grew up at EA.

Each of the Kirk boys attended EA from K-4 through 12th grade with Blake graduating in 2009, Tanner in 2011 and Garrett in 2015.

The Kirks also have a precious daughter in law, Mary Maud Meacham Kirk who graduated from EA in 2012.

Even after their move to Auburn over five years ago, the Kirks have never lost their love and passion for EA and have served and taken part in activities every chance they could.

Kirk said her vision for EA is to embrace the family-oriented, Christian tradition that has driven the school’s success for a long time.

“Escambia Academy will only be as successful as the support that we receive from our community of families,” she said in a statement. “With that in mind, our focus this year is going to be to continue to build a strong family atmosphere, provide engaging, sound, innovative instruction and strive to keep every student and employee at Escambia Academy safe as we help them to grow emotionally, spiritually and academically. I am looking forward to strengthening our bond with each other and our community as we prepare for the most exciting year ever.”