Leadership Transition

Dan Kuiper Announces Retirement;

Troy Thelen ’03 Appointed 2nd Head of School

August 22, 2023 – Valley Christian Schools’ Head of School, Dan Kuiper, has announced his retirement after 41 years of serving VCS, effective June 30, 2024. Troy Thelen ’03 has been unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to be Valley Christian Schools’ 10th leader and 2nd Head of School, effective July 1, 2024. Thelen, a VCS graduate (Class of 2003) with extensive leadership experience in the private sector and at Valley Christian, has been serving as the Assistant Head of School since 2020 after serving for six years as the school’s Director of Development.

As part of a long-planned succession strategy, Mr. Kuiper will continue to serve through the 2023-24 school year, working hand-in-hand with Mr. Thelen, the Board of Directors, and other VCS leaders to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Mr. Kuiper informed the Board of his retirement plans more than two years ago, and it is with deep appreciation and boundless respect that the Board has affirmed his retirement following the 2023-24 academic year. Mr. Kuiper’s dedicated service at Valley Christian Schools across 41 years is unmatched in the school’s 42-year history.

“Dan Kuiper embodies a true servant leader and has nobly led Valley Christian Schools to what and where it is today,” said Scott Crouch, VCS Board President. “To countless members of our community, Dan Kuiper is Valley Christian Schools. In fact, there is not a single graduate of Valley Christian Schools that has passed through our school without Dan Kuiper on campus teaching, coaching, or somehow serving each of our more than 2,700 alumni and more than 1,100 current students. What an incredible legacy Dan is leaving at Valley Christian – well done.”

During the 2022-23 academic year, the Board began an evaluation and verification process of Mr. Thelen, with agreement that an external search would commence if the Board was not able to enthusiastically appoint an internal candidate. Across numerous interviews, Mr. Thelen received staunch support as the next Head of School from every group that provided feedback, including current school leadership, department directors, teachers, parents, alumni, donors, and more. After much prayer, deliberation, and discussion, the Board prudently recognized that the most capable, qualified, and visionary successor to guide Valley Christian’s strong trajectory is a long-time servant and highly skilled leader within our own community. Growing leadership from within the school is an established best practice for private and Christian schools, and the unanimous approval of Mr. Thelen as the next Head of School is a definitive statement of the Board’s conviction of his ability to lead VCS.

“Troy Thelen is a well-qualified, bold, and visionary leader who combines high emotional intelligence and careful listening with a strong desire for accountability, and the courage to push for positive change,” Scott Crouch stated. “It is a rare and fulfilling occasion when a school witnesses a graduate coming full circle and achieving such a leadership position at their alma mater. The Board feels fortunate to have the opportunity to appoint a stalwart like Troy to guide the school into an exciting next stage. Valley Christian seeks to equip culture changers for Christ, and Troy is the right leader at the right time for Valley Christian Schools.”

Please join us in praising God for all that He has done at VCS in the past, all that He is doing today, and His provision in providing for what He will do in our future. And please join us in congratulating Mr. Kuiper, Mr. Thelen, and their families. Go, Trojans!

Dan Kuiper

Dan Kuiper began at Valley Christian Schools in 1983 as the school began its second year. He has served the school in numerous capacities, including Biology teacher, Anatomy teacher, Science Department Head, Academic Team Chair, Head Coach for Boys and Girls Track & Field, Vice Principal, Principal, and Head of School since 2019.

A Message from Outgoing Head of School

I have been honored, humbled, and thrilled to serve at Valley Christian for what will be 41 years. Reflecting back on my past 40 years at VCS, God has been faithful. His hand has been evident in all the challenges and triumphs we have faced. Those who have been instrumental in making VCS what it is today can confidently stand before the Lord and say we have remained faithful to the Christian foundations the founding fathers had envisioned for the school. God has done incredible things at VCS, due in large part to the sacrifices and leaps of faith many people have taken.

I want to thank the Board of Directors for putting their confidence in me, and I want to thank our families for entrusting their students to Valley Christian Schools. The staff and faculty at VCS are incredible. I also want to thank them for making VCS what it is today and following my leadership. Lastly, nobody could be effective in this position if they did not have the support at home. I want to thank my wife, Kathy, for all her encouragement, understanding, and undying support. I could not have done it without her or all the sacrifices my entire family has made over these 40 years.

I’ve been so grateful for Troy Thelen’s contributions at Valley Christian Schools. I served as Troy’s Biology teacher, Anatomy teacher, and Track Coach when he was a student, and have now served alongside him in school administration for ten years. It is so fulfilling to see the mission of the school come full circle. I am truly thrilled to be handing him the baton. Troy’s strategic mind and relentless pursuit of excellence will serve the school well into the future.

In my opinion, the number one criterium for the Head of School is someone with an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, leading with Christ always at the center. I’ve had many spiritual discussions with Troy, have seen him serve at VCS and in his local church, and have seen the way he leads his family. There is no question in my mind that Troy leads, publicly and privately, with Christ at the center. Troy seeks feedback continuously. He is willing to hear difficult news, and he is willing to deliver difficult news with love, respect, and professionalism. Troy has an engaging personality that people gravitate toward. Troy, Kim, and his children are beloved in the VCS community, and he is ready for this opportunity. Troy had my full support throughout the process of identifying our next Head of School, and he has my unequivocal support going forward.

Many of you have known me to say, “I am so excited about where we are, but even more excited about the future,” and even though I will be serving the Lord in a different capacity moving forward, I truly believe this today. Christian education is one of the last places where we can effectively equip students to be culture changers for Christ in every discipline of life. Thank you, Valley Christian community, for all of your support over the years. I am resolute and confident God has even greater things in store for His school. I will continue to be VCS’ biggest supporter for years to come.

– Dan Kuiper

Troy Thelen

Troy Thelen is a proud alumnus of Valley Christian Schools (’03). He spent more than a decade in the private sector, leading and managing teams across local organizations and Fortune 500 companies before beginning to serve at the school in 2013 as the Director of Development. Mr. Thelen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (English, Communication) degree from ASU, and began serving as the school’s Assistant Head of School in 2020.

A Message from Incoming Head of School

I am beyond grateful and humbled to serve in this new role of Head of School. And that’s what I will do and what all of our staff will do: serve. The school’s mission is to equip students to be culture changers for Christ, and there’s no better way to change culture than to put Christ and others ahead of ourselves… to serve. Not only is Valley Christian my alma mater, my wife’s alma mater, my kids’ school, and my employer, but VCS is my family. There is no story of my life I can tell you that doesn’t feature, prominently, Valley Christian Schools. And I’m grateful that this story continues.
I am indebted to Dan Kuiper for his faithful leadership at VCS. I have learned more from Dan than any other leader under which I’ve served at any organization. His humility, kindness, patience, and steadfastness have been guiding lights for our school. I wholeheartedly believe that good leadership trickles down, and Dan’s great qualities have trickled down to the VCS staff. I do not take lightly the responsibility of carrying on the incredible traditions and culture that Dan helped to instill at VCS. In my view, our school must always remember and honor our past while remaining laser focused on our future, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead this charge.

I would also like to thank our Board of Directors. They serve as volunteers – often thanklessly – and spend countless hours giving of their time, talent, and treasure to move Valley Christian forward. I’m grateful for their significant investment in discussing the school’s next Head of School and for their time and energy in evaluating me for this role. Across numerous interviews with parents, students, and more, I was grateful to discuss not only my desire for excellence in our school, but also my faith and my family. As we seek to equip students to be culture changers for Christ, our Board understands that changing culture starts there.

Lastly, I’m so grateful to our current faculty and staff. Not only did my wife and I benefit from a Valley Christian education, but now my own children are benefitting from a truly caring, loving, and godly staff. I will work tirelessly alongside our current and future staff to ensure that we are serving our mission of equipping culture changers for Christ. We must be driven and relentless in pursuit of excellence. We must be accountable to each other. We must identify where VCS is good and must become great. We must solicit feedback with a growth mindset. We must be lifelong learners who are willing to have critical conversations. And we must lead and lead well, all for the cause of Christ.

During this year-long handoff, one of my initial priorities is to embark on a “Listening Tour.” I want to hear from faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students, and our community. I have – and we, as a school, have – much to learn from each group, and I’m truly ecstatic to get started. If you’re reading this, don’t be surprised if I reach out to you soon. I’m ready and excited to listen; thank you in advance for your perspective.

To the Valley Christian community: let us steward well this great ministry that God has entrusted to all of us. And let us equip students to be culture changers for Christ, together.

– Troy Thelen

Leadership History

FAQs

When did the transition discussion begin?

Dan Kuiper was initially named as the Acting Superintendent in 2018 when VCS launched Valley Christian Junior High. In the fall of 2019, the Board of Directors officially named Mr. Kuiper as the school’s first Head of School.

At that time, Mr. Kuiper indicated an approximate retirement date, and he and the Board began discussions about a possible successor and succession plan. As part of this discussion and planning, Troy Thelen was named as the Assistant Head of School, in 2020, and Mr. Kuiper solidified his June 2024 retirement plans at that time.

As planned, Mr. Kuiper will continue to serve through the 2023-24 school year, officially handing the baton to Mr. Thelen on July 1, 2024. Mr. Kuiper’s dedicated service at VCS across 41 years is unmatched in the school’s 42-year history, and we will forever be grateful.

Who has been a part of the search committee?

The Board of Directors has been having succession planning conversations since 2019, but these conversations ramped up in 2022. With two years remaining before Mr. Kuiper’s retirement, the Board formed a Head of School search committee, led by Ken Fechner and supported by fellow Board members Mike Gauthier, Denise McClain, and Ally LaGatta. The committee interviewed multiple executive recruiting agencies and spoke with nonprofits that had recently undergone similar succession planning. At the subcommittee’s recommendation, the Board determined to first conduct an evaluation and verification process of Mr. Thelen, with agreement that an external search would commence if the Board was not able to enthusiastically appoint an internal candidate.

Mr. Thelen received staunch support as the next Head of School from every group that either interviewed Mr. Thelen, met with the Board, or provided feedback. These groups included current school leadership, department directors, teachers, parents, alumni, donors, and VCS students. After much prayer, deliberation, and discussion, and armed with feedback from each of these groups, the Board enthusiastically and unanimously appointed Mr. Thelen in the spring of 2023, with the announcement scheduled for the fall of 2023.

When will the full transition be completed?

Dan Kuiper will continue to serve as the Head of School for the entirety of the 2023-24 school year through June 30, 2024. During this time, leadership tasks will begin to transition to Mr. Thelen, and effective July 1, 2024, Mr. Thelen will begin officially serving as the Head of School. Given his current role as the Assistant Head of School, Mr. Thelen already oversees a number of departments and leads many of the school’s leadership meetings, which will allow this to be a very smooth transition. Mr. Kuiper and Mr. Thelen have worked closely together for 10 years, and the Board is grateful for the mutual respect and appreciation each has for the other.

How will this affect Dan Kuiper's responsibilities for 2023-24?

Dan Kuiper will continue to serve as the Head of School through June 30, 2024. Other than beginning to hand off HOS duties to Mr. Thelen, his responsibilities will largely remain unchanged.

How will this affect Troy Thelen's responsibilities for 2023-24?

Troy Thelen will continue to serve as the Assistant Head of School through June 30, 2024. In his current role, Mr. Thelen provides leadership for the school’s advancement efforts, including Development, Marketing & Communications, Admissions, and the Secure the Future Campaign, while also serving on the school’s Executive Leadership Team. Mr. Thelen will continue to provide leadership in these areas, while beginning to provide leadership and oversight over all of the school’s operations throughout the year alongside Dan Kuiper.

How will Mr. Thelen's position be filled for 2024-25?

As a Board, we are grateful for strong leadership throughout the organization, and our role is to provide leadership and oversight to the HOS. All other personnel decisions are made at the discretion of the HOS, and Mr. Thelen has already shared with us that Mrs. Kittren Johnson will be promoted to Executive Director of Advancement and serve on the Executive Leadership Team, effective July 1, 2024. There are no current plans to hire an Assistant Head of School, but the oversight of the school’s advancement teams – Development, Marketing & Communications, and Admissions – will fall under Mrs. Johnson’s leadership, who will also continue to serve as the primary gift officer and leader of the school’s development efforts.

Kittren (“Kit”) was born and raised in California, spent four years living in Australia, another eleven years in California, and nine in Texas before moving to Arizona in 2020 to serve as the Director of Development at VCS. Prior to VCS, Kit served as the Bursar in an Australian Christian School, Director of Operations, Director of College Advising, and teacher for a California Christian school, and also served as the Vice President of Client Partnerships for RenWeb/FACTS, where she consulted many schools on best practices for sustainability in all areas. She spent many years doing quality control for schools’ admissions processes, and has regularly worked hand-in-hand alongside different schools’ admissions, marketing, and communications departments. She earned the company’s coveted award for Excellence in Sales and Business. Kit’s wide breadth of experience also includes time working in accounting, as a competitive swim coach, a basketball referee, and numerous roles for churches of all sizes. Kit possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary and holds an ACSI Teaching Certification in High School Bible and an ACSI Administrator Certification.

Since joining the VCS team, Kit and her team have produced incredible results. In three of the past four years, VCS has been blessed to fundraise more money than any other Christian school in the state of Arizona. Operational fundraising, one of Kit’s primary responsibilities, has increased in each year since Kit joined VCS. Under Kit’s leadership, our Champions Circle program has grown from 79 members to 178 members, with total commitments increasing by more than $1.8M. Kit has also grown our long-term fundraising programs, increasing the school’s total endowments from $192,000 to more than $500,000 and the school’s planned giving expectancies from $1.8M to $3.5M. Kit’s experience across numerous industries, with a long-time focus on Christian education, will prove extremely valuable in her new role.

Kittren is married to Steve, and together they have 4 children – 2 graduates, Jake (2016) and Daisy (2018), and 2 to follow, Faith (Class of 2024) and Kade (Class of 2028).

Will Troy Thelen's responsibilities as Head of School look any different than Dan Kuiper's?

Mr. Kuiper’s storied career began in the classroom, and his experience and expertise as a master teacher has guided his leadership at VCS for many years. In more recent years, as the school’s enrollment has increased from approximately 300 students in 2012 to more than 1,100 students in 2023, Mr. Kuiper’s duties have shifted from classroom oversight to managing a 160-employee organization with a nearly $20M budget. Oversight of the school’s academics and curriculum belongs to our Campus Principals, Vice Principals, and our academic directors, including the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, our V.I.N.E. Director, and others.

The Head of School is the chief administrator of the school and is responsible for furthering our mission of equipping students to be culture changers for Christ by delivering academic excellence, facilitating spiritual growth, and building lifelong community. The HOS is continually seeking to accomplish the school’s vision to be the leader in Christ-centered Christian education in Arizona, by personally exhibiting and fostering in others the four core values of The Valley Way: honoring Christ, pursuing excellence, building community, and changing culture. In its current state, the school’s primary strategic initiatives include academic excellence, facilities care and expansion, missional and organizational alignment, and long-term financial sustainability.

We are grateful that Mr. Thelen has served as a trainer and coach in previous roles, even developing and delivering curriculum in a classroom setting. His undergraduate degree was in both Communications and English Literature, and he currently teaches short units at the high school in College. Career. Life., Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, and Leadership. Mr. Thelen currently holds an Executive Director endorsement from the school’s accrediting agency, Association of Christian Schools International. While we are grateful for his time in classrooms, Mr. Thelen’s role will serve the overall mission, business, and sustainability of VCS, and his education (Master of Business Administration, MBA) and experience working for large organizations will prove invaluable for the trajectory of VCS.

How can we be praying during this transition?

Thank you in advance for your prayerful support of VCS. Your prayers are truly coveted.

Pray for a smooth transition of leadership.
Praise God alongside us for the many years of service from Dan Kuiper.
Pray for all of the school’s leadership, including our Executive Leadership Team, Principals and Vice Principals, Directors, and Board of Directors.
Pray that VCS never wavers from the primacy of Christ in fulfilling our mission.
Pray for God’s provision of the exact right number of students and families to be a part of our community.