Mrs. Rita Beckwith
It may come as a surprise that Rita Beckwith, the new business office receptionist at MUS, once served as a teletype mechanic in the US Army.
Before joining MUS this school year, Beckwith worked at Baer Law Firm. Beckwith first connected with MUS through the coaching of her husband Mark Beckwith, assistant wrestling coach.
She describes MUS as an “exceptionally special place,” and she advises students that “you are who you surround yourself with.”
Mrs. Beckwith enjoys reading and can be found at her desk in the business office.
Mr. Peter Jones
After years of teaching advanced mathematics in Florida, Peter Jones retired, got married and moved to Memphis with his wife before deciding to join the MUS Math Department.
Mr. Jones noted that MUS feels very different from Tampa and said he quickly realized the campus never sleeps.
With 41 years of teaching experience, he hopes to inspire students to see math as a subject “with power.”
In his words, “Math is a gateway into almost anything.”
Mr. Jones enjoys travel, classical guitar, staying healthy and reading and advises students to “live [their] life with integrity.”
He can be found in his office near Hyde Chapel or in the weight room.
Mr. Kyle Lawrence
Kyle Lawrence, formerly a history teacher at Woodland, is the new Lower School assistant academic dean at MUS.
His main responsibility is helping students build the skills they need to succeed academically.
Lawrence was drawn to MUS by its strong traditions and the work ethic of both the students and the faculty.
Lawrence said he was struck by the heart of MUS students and impressed by their willingness to work hard when needed. He hopes to teach students that it is good to take risks and that “working hard in the classroom is cool.’”
He also wants both students and faculty to see him as someone who always has their back. Lawrence encourages students to “love life” even in difficult times.
Mr. Paul Warner
Coming from PDS, Paul Warner is the new assistant head of the Lower School at MUS.
He describes his role as more of a culture-setting position rather than a purely disciplinary one; Warner said he hopes to support both students and teachers by building strong student-faculty relationships.
He has also served as quarterback coach for the varsity football team for the past two years.
Drawn by MUS’ academic standards, which he calls those of the “premier independent school in the state,” Warner said he was especially struck by how deeply the faculty cares for the students.
This is his 13th year in education, and he hopes his students will learn the link between hard work and good results, whether in his Old Testament class or on the football field.
He advises students to take accountability for their actions at MUS and beyond.
Mr. Robert O’Kelley
A former professional basketball player and ACC Rookie of the Year at Wake Forest, Robert O’Kelley is the new director of auxiliary programs at MUS. He has also been an assistant basketball coach for the Owls for the last six years. As director of auxiliary programs, O’Kelley oversees third-party programs on campus and coordinates MUS summer programs. His goals include enhancing the MUS community providing parents with greater exposure to the school and its offerings.
He describes the school as a “well-oiled machine” and aspires to give the school community more exposure to a wider range of people. O’Kelley enjoys shooting basketballs and can be found in his office or in the Athletic Building.
He encourages students to take to heart that “if it is to be, it’s up to me.”
Mrs. Lauren Easter
Lauren Easter is serving as athletics administrative assistant at MUS this year. Formerly an athletic trainer, Easter has taken over the position previously held by Beth Taylor, who retired last spring.
She will primarily provide athletic updates to OwlHub and ensure smooth communication between coaches and our athletic administrators. Easter attended Hutchison and previously worked closely with Katie Upchurch as an athletic trainer.
She said working at MUS feels like “coming back home.”
Easter enjoys CrossFit, running and spending time with her children.
She advises students to “be who [they] really are.” She can be found in the Athletic Building or at her desk outside the Ross Lynn Arena.
Ms. Madison Rhodes
Madison Rhodes, MUS’ new sixth grade Memphis History and seventh grade English instructor, is a Memphis native and St. Mary’s graduate.
She has been teaching for four years and previously taught high school English at Vail Mountain High School, in Vail, Colo.. Her brother attended MUS, and Rhodes said she is “happy to be back in the south.” While in graduate school, she worked at CBS Sports.
She hopes to teach her seventh grade students reading and writing and to help her sixth grade students build the necessary skills to succeed at MUS. She describes her class as “fun” and discussion-based and advises students that, “if you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
Rhodes has two dogs and enjoys running, golf, tennis, comedy clubs and concerts. She can be found in her office, previously in the Task Room and in her classroom.