Duchesne History Teacher Announced as New Dean of Students

 

Duchesne High School has announced the appointment of faculty member and coach Ben Kilper as the school’s new Dean of Students.

A dedicated educator with five years of classroom experience at the school, Kilper will transition from teaching history to provide academic support and oversee campus discipline systems, connecting students directly with specialized campus resources.

His responsibilities encompass managing student attendance, truancy, dress code enforcement, and disciplinary matters, alongside tracking metrics for the school’s “power hour,” student detentions, and service hour requirements. 

“The job of dean is to be the mediator for the students when there are problems for them and to get them in contact with those at the school that can help more specifically,” Kilper said. “For example, if a student is having problems with their grade in math, I talk with them and get them connected with tutors and their counselor. I view my primary job as meeting with the student and working out plans to better help them succeed at Duchesne.” 

Kurt Schneider, principal of Duchesne High School, expressed strong confidence in Kilper’s ability to transition from the classroom into administrative leadership.

“We are excited for Ben to start as the new Dean of Students," he said. "He has already served in that role a bit this past school year and we are looking forward to him stepping into the role in a more formal fashion in the year to come. He will be a valuable member to the administrative team.” 

A native of Sunset Hills, Kilper brings a deep regional background to the administrative position. He attended St. Paul School in Fenton and completed his secondary education at St. John Vianney High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Missouri S&T and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership in February from Western Governors University. 

Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Kilper noted that his core focus remains firmly on the student body’s holistic growth. 

“I am looking forward most to helping all of our students with the challenges they are encountering in high school and giving them opportunities to succeed,” Kilper said.