Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Sean Owens ‘02
What motivated you to enroll your children into The Dunham School?
Dunham was an easy choice for us- initially, one of us (not named Rebekah) was interested in looking at a certain other private school in Baton Rouge that has an exemplary academic history. However, I recognized that the Spiritually-centric education we were seeking for our children was and is truly not available anywhere else. I have been very impressed with the rigor of the classroom education and am so grateful for our family to have the opportunity to receive this instruction in a Christian environment.
What is that you like most about The Dunham School’s education programs or practices?
Without question, the best part about Dunham is its leadership and faculty and the unapologetic focus on keeping the school in line with Jesus’ teachings.
How did Dunham impact your life?
It’s hard to imagine what my life would be without Dunham- it is my alma mater, where I met my wife, where I coached during college, and where my children attend school. There is no telling what life would look like if it weren’t for the school.
What inspired you to be part of the Parent Cabinet?
Understanding how important Annual Giving is to keep a private Christian school relevant…this made it easy to be involved. When I was a student at Dunham, never in my life did I fathom the offerings that are now available, both in the curriculum and the physical space. Obviously these are blessings that have been given by Him, but through the incredible generosity of donors. For our school to continue to thrive, not just survive, it takes the selfless dedication of many individuals to contribute time and resources. We are just trying to do our part.
When did you come to Dunham?
I came to Dunham in the 6th grade- it was Chapel Trafton at the time. Coming from an elementary-only school, it was a transition to say the least.
Who was your favorite teacher or coach and why?
I have two- Mary Ellen Courville and Jonathan Pixley.
Ms. Courville will always stand out as a favorite for her patient and kind nature. I was in her first class she taught at Dunham and, despite my borderline overly-energetic nature in class, she displayed a patient, gentle spirit in helping me to redirect my enthusiasm for life into more productive contributions to the class. Following her class, she was (and still is) always present in hallways with a smile on her face and an encouraging word for those she encounters.
Coach Pixley and I have had an interesting journey. Just as pretty much all of his former athletes can attest to, he has the ability to motivate his athletes to strive for more. I went from having him as a JV basketball coach (also, his first year at Dunham) to a track coach, to a friend, to a life coach. He has led me to search within and truly work on understanding who I am, what my Purpose is, and what I can do to maximize the potential that God has placed within me.
What drew you to your occupation?
I wish I had a profound ‘aha’ moment that brought me to dentistry. Through the beginning of my sophomore year at LSU, I fully planned on obtaining a degree in Kinesiology and coming back to teach, coach at Dunham. One day, a random conversation with a future in law sparked a curiosity about Dentistry. I always like my dentist and orthodontist but never considered it as a profession. From then on, I was obsessed with getting into dental school. I truly love what I do and am grateful for God leading me into a profession that allows me to change lives for the better. Recently, I began a transition from the partnership I have had with a large group in the area to a new opportunity with Kidder Dental (another Dunham family). It has been the right change, at the right time, as this new venture affords me the opportunity to use the unique skill set I have been fortunate enough to develop with two other professionals that have complimentary abilities. Being around the corner from the school is a definite plus, too.