Clay Lilienstern, USJ's Head of School, visits with students in the library.

USJ's New Head of School      

Clay Lilienstern, USJ's new Head of School, was Assistant Head of School at Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas. Episcopal High is a college preparatory, independent school with about 630 students in grades 9-12.         

He spent much of his professional life as an attorney in Houston, but made a career change to become an educator after spending six years as chairman of the board of Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston. During that time, the school grew from a small parish school to more than 700 students.           

“I became captivated with education and helping young people succeed,” he says. “As a parent, trustee, and volunteer, I came to respect how children’s lives are influenced by conscientious teachers in independent schools. Success can be measured in different ways for each student, whether that be in academics, athletics, the fine arts, or in other endeavors. It’s our job as educators to enable students to succeed and realize their potential.”        

A lifelong learner, Clay has several academic degrees. He has earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and history from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the University of Houston. He has master’s degrees in law from George Washington University, in business from University of Houston, and theological studies from Southern Methodist University. He recently completed the Ford Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, a highly competitive and selective program sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. Clay has four children, who live in Texas and Kentucky, and four grandchildren

Clay practiced law in Houston for almost 30 years and even argued several cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is passionate about his change in careers. His first job as an educator was teaching AP U.S. History at Episcopal High School. Since then, he also has taught AP Government, AP Economics, and other economics and history courses at Episcopal High School. As assistant head of school, he continues to teach a course in the school’s history department each year.

Episcopal High School and USJ are alike in many ways, he says. Both are college preparatory schools with strong academic curriculums, and both emphasize athletics, fine arts, and character education. Both have students who are eager learners, polite, and friendly. Both have strong parental and community support. When he and his wife, Rebecca, first visited USJ, he says, “I felt like I was at home. We found USJ and the community to be a warm and friendly place.”