USchool Welcomes New Director

The University of Tulsa is pleased to announce that Gabriel Fuchs, Ph.D., has been named director of University School, Tulsa’s only academy for gifted education. He begins his new duties on July 1.

“University School is a remarkable place with a dedicated team of faculty who do excellent work with the young people they serve,” said Fuchs, who most recently served as head of the upper school at Wakefield School, an independent, college-preparatory day school serving families across Northern Virginia. “The chance to lead University School presents such a unique opportunity to make use of both my academic background and experience as an independent school educator that exists almost nowhere else.”

Fuchs received bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the classics and served as a teaching associate at Southern Illinois University and The Ohio State University. He began teaching at Wakefield in 2013 and received the school’s educator of the year award in 2016 before being named director of academics in 2018.

University of Tulsa President Brad R. Carson welcomed the new director and laid out an ambitious plan to elevate awareness about University School and grow enrollment. There were 186 children enrolled during 2023-24.

“Dr. Fuchs has a rich background in, and deep appreciation of, both STEM and the liberal arts,” Carson said. “USchool is the ideal place for bright, curious children to not only receive an advanced education in science and math, but also acquire a foundation in literature, languages, and the arts. This educational emphasis allows USchool graduates to flourish in high school, college, and beyond.”

Founded in 1982 by The University of Tulsa campus, University School is a full school program for academically gifted children from age 3 through eighth grade. The school provides an intellectually challenging and emotionally supportive learning environment that rewards creativity and socially responsible behavior.

“I look forward to once again being part of a university and am excited to explore the ways that we can build a deeper connection between USchool, UTulsa, and the greater Tulsa community. It is my goal to work together with the USchool family to grow it from a hidden gem into a shining star,” Fuchs said. “My wife, Michele, our daughter, Fritzi, and I are excited to become part of the community in Tulsa and experience all the arts, culture, and activity the city has to offer.”

University School offers a diverse curriculum and encourages students to participate in activities that push them to excel. During just the past year:

• USchool won the state Academic Bowl competition.
• USchool students placed first and second in the Behavioral & Social Sciences category at the Oklahoma State Science Fair. Other students placed second in Plant Sciences and third in Biomedical & Health Sciences.
• Four USchool teams reached the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Iowa State University, and one team placed 13th out of 400 teams from 12 countries.
  USchool placed second in State MATHCOUNTS competition.
• Four USchool teams qualified for the FIRST Lego League Robotics state competition. One team earned first place in the Core Value category, one placed second in Robot Design, and another placed third in the Innovation Project.
• A USchool student was named to the U.S. Chess Federation’s Top 100 list for Girls Under 7.

“I look forward to meeting with faculty, students, alumni, and their families to learn even more about what makes University School special. I am eager to build on our past successes in a spirit of partnership with all,” Fuchs said. “My wife and I were raised in the Midwest and feel right at home in Tulsa. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming!”

University School was founded in 1982 and led by Pat Hollingsworth, Ed.D., until 2020. Debra Price served as director from 2020 until May 2024. The university thanks Amber Gates, who graciously stepped in as interim director of USchool until Fuchs’ arrival.

University School has limited enrollments still available for the 2024-25 academic year. For more information about admission or USchool in general, visit https://uschool.utulsa.edu/ or call  918-631-5060