Dr. Terry J. Flowers

Dr. Terry J. Flowers serves as The Perot Family Headmaster of St. Philip’s School & Community Center, where he began his leadership in 1983 as principal. A native of Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Flowers discovered his calling early in life: to work with and empower young children through education.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University and a Master’s in early childhood education from the University of Northern Iowa. He earned two more Master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration from Columbia University. Remarkably, Dr. Flowers turned down an invitation to try out for the Chicago Bears to pursue graduate studies. In 1995, he completed a Doctorate in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Dr. Flowers has taught in Iowa, Chicago, and Harlem, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by inner-city neighborhoods. These experiences deeply shaped his belief in the need for holistic approaches to education that address both academic needs and the broader issues affecting children and families.

At St. Philip’s, Dr. Flowers has been instrumental in developing a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, a positive self-image, and a faith-based approach to life. Under his leadership, the school has grown into a model for education that integrates rigorous academics with vital social services and community development efforts to support the surrounding neighborhood.

Beyond his role at St. Philip’s, Dr. Flowers is also an accomplished author. He has published three children’s books and a memoir, all available on Amazon. He has served as an adjunct professor at both Southern Methodist University and Cedar Valley College and remains deeply involved in the Dallas community. His board and advisory services include the Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Symphony’s Young Strings Program, JPMorgan Chase, Baylor Specialty Hospital, Dallas Summer Musicals, SMU Simmons School of Education, Oak Hill School, Shelton School, and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.

In recognition of his visionary leadership, Dr. Flowers was awarded the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award in 2016. He and his wife, Gernise, are the proud parents of three daughters, all graduates of St. Philip’s School & Community Center.

Kellee Murrell

Mrs. Kellee Murrell, a native New Yorker, has served as the George T. Lee, Jr. Principal at St. Philip’s School & Community Center since 2015. She and her husband, Mark Murrell—Deputy Chief of Community Prosecution and Community Courts for the City of Dallas—have two children, Eden and Mark Jr., who are both proud alumni of St. Philip’s.

Mrs. Murrell holds a Bachelor of Arts in History Education from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She began her teaching career in Dallas at Tyler Street Christian Academy and later joined Richardson West Junior High School, where she served in multiple roles: classroom teacher, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), campus coordinator, 7th-grade girls' basketball coach, and after-school program coordinator. Her excellence in education was recognized with the STARS Teacher of the Year Award, given annually to only five secondary teachers across the Richardson Independent School District (RISD).

Her leadership journey continued as assistant principal at Richardson North Junior High and Lake Highlands Junior High. She then served as principal at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet, where she led the school to consistently meet state academic standards while strengthening community partnerships, mentorship programs, and ongoing professional development for teachers. 

“Education is my life’s work and my God-given passion,” says Mrs. Murrell. She believes there is always more to be done to ensure a high-quality education for every student.