Dr. John Hoyle grew up in New Orleans, LA, and hails from a long line of educators and school administrators, although his grandmother owned a neighborhood bakery. Dr. Hoyle lived and taught in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina hit the city in 2005, causing him to move to Mobile, AL. He has held several jobs at ASMS and enjoys working with the faculty and staff to ensure Alabama’s best and brightest young minds will become tomorrow’s leaders. Governor Kay Ivey appointed him in June of 2023 to serve on the Alabama STEM Council. Dr. Hoyle is interested in STEM education initiatives and environmental issues and believes that people can reach their full potential when they have access to quality educational opportunities. He is married and has a daughter and a son.
Education: Ph.D., Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama; M.Ed., Education Leadership from Holy Cross University; and B.A., Mass Communications and Political Science from Principia College.
Previous Experience: Before serving as the ASMS President, Dr. Hoyle was the school’s Interim President, Vice President, Director of Special Services, and Communications Coordinator. He has also taught several courses at ASMS. Before his tenure at ASMS, he worked as a Curriculum Coordinator, History instructor, and basketball coach at public schools in the New Orleans area.
Accomplishments: Dr. Hoyle received South Alabama’s Outstanding Dissertation of the Year award in 2018 for his dissertation entitled, “Black Girls Matter: An Ethnographic Investigation of Rural African-American Girls Experiencing a Specialized STEM High School for Gifted and Talented Students.” Dr. Hoyle received an ING Unsung Hero award in 2004 for a project he worked on with students related to coastal erosion in Louisiana. He was named Teacher of the Year at Buras High School in 2003. Dr. Hoyle won the Helen Henley Prize for Journalism as an undergraduate student.
Leadership quote: Ralph Ellison: “Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.”
How long have you been at ASMS?
I love ASMS. Few places on this planet have such excellent missions, but this is one of them. I have worked at ASMS for 20 years, which is a considerable amount of time to be employed at the same place. Although a great deal has changed in the world over the past 20 years, one thing has remained constant: a solid educational foundation rooted in math and science serves as a springboard to college and career success. This is becoming even more true as artificial intelligence gains influence and educational standards evolve -- oftentimes in the wrong direction.
What do you love most about ASMS?
ASMS students are remarkable and are the reason why we're here. They're interesting, curious, and driven. It's enjoyable to see a student enroll as a sophomore, make the most of their ASMS experiences, and leave completely prepared for college. Witnessing their growth during their ASMS journey is incredible. It's also an honor to work with so many exceptional employees. I also love ASMS because we're all (a little or maybe a lot) quirky and nerdy in the best possible ways! One more thing: our mascot is a dragon! How cool is that?
What top advice do you have for our parents and guardians of incoming students?
Take ASMS on in good faith and always assume positive intent. Our programs work. To get the most out of the ASMS experience, you should embrace our culture and practices. Don't try to mold or conform ASMS to what you are used to in a school. We're successful for many reasons, but a significant reason is that we're unconventional. ASMS is also a residential school, so if you go home every weekend, you are not experiencing ASMS to the fullest.