By Leah Cox
These are the last few weeks for Mr. Overly, a department chair, teacher, coach, and advisor well-known for his kindness and commitment to getting to know the person behind the student. He’s moving to Denver, Colorado—a place of change, an opportunity to connect spiritually, and the promise of new adventures.
Twenty-four years ago, a young(er) Mr. Overly moved to Atlanta and began working at Lovett. Fresh out of graduate school, Mr. Overly taught at St. Stevenson Magnet School in Washington, D.C. He wasn’t confident teaching was the right space for him, so he worked in the private sector as an analytical chemist for a couple of years. In this job, he was financially well off, but utterly bored. And so, he decided to go back to teaching. This time, however, he combined his love for chemistry and sports.
When asked why he was drawn to the teaching profession, Mr. Overly answered with something he’s told our advisory many times before. “I came from a small town. 16% of our graduating class went to college. I look back at coaches and teachers who made an impact on me. They helped me believe in myself a little bit. I wouldn’t have gotten out of that town if it wasn’t for those people.” In his time here, Mr. Overly has tried to emulate the example of those coaches and teachers who believed in him all those years ago.
Lovett’s appreciation for the spiritual aspects of the “whole child” is one reason why Mr. Overly chose to work here. As a spiritual person, he’s grateful for the opportunity to “pause” together as a community during Chapel and LCF.
Among his (many) roles, Mr. Overly was a JOE trip leader for 15 years. (JOE? For that many times?) “Those are some fun memories,” he said. “My wife’s been my partner before—back when they let spouses go.” Mr. Overly also jumped back in time to recall when faculty members used to play basketball on Friday mornings. “We were just a bunch of old guys running around. But it was good camaraderie.” He smiled as he reflected.
When I asked Mr. Overly for a favorite Lovett memory, he rattled off several. As a coach, “Winning the state championship in football” was certainly a big, memorable moment. If you didn’t know (or if you haven’t been in the Upper School for long), Mr Overly has two sons, Russell and Will—and they graduated from Lovett in 2022. He said the day his sons graduated was “special” and it made him “proud.”
There are lots of people Mr. Overly won’t ever forget from his time here. One was science teacher Mr. Dan Dalke, Mr. Overly’s best friend and mentor, who passed away many years ago. There’s also Mr. Bill Nichols. “Man, just the memories of the people and the relationships you build here,” he said, “I mean that’s what I’m grateful for.” He’ll, of course, miss faculty that are still here, including, Rev. Allen, Mr. Newman, and Mr. Buczek, whom he “coached with for a long time.”
As for what he’s proud of? Well, several years ago, Mr. Overly led the charge for Lovett to stop requiring male faculty to wear ties every day. He still remembers the celebration that the faculty threw for him after years of lobbying the former Head of the School, Mr. Peebles. to end the requirement. After presenting tons of research to support his side, Ms. Cole ended the tie requirement when she began her time here.
In Denver, Mr. Overly will teach 10th-grade chemistry at Regis Jesuit High School. When asked about his next steps, Mr. Overly said: “It’s going to be scary. But I do think we can make another community there. We have some time to connect with more people and that’s our first year.”
By taking a chance and moving to Denver, he’s following the same family motto that made him come to Atlanta two decades ago: “Say yes.”
On behalf of the students whose spirits and minds you have nurtured, we’re glad you did.
