Chemistry teacher Ken Owens ‘89 has been announced as the next holder of the Cecil and Ida Green Master Teaching Chair. The chair is designed to recognize outstanding teaching across the school, allowing educators from any department to be considered. Before Owens, the most recent holder of the chair was English teacher Scott Gonzalez, who served until his retirement.

“I was surprised. I didn’t know that I was being considered for that,” Owens said. “I was very appreciative but also really surprised.”

Cecil and Ida Green were major early supporters of the school, with Cecil, co-founder of Texas Instruments, playing a central role in its growth during the 1950s. This award reflects Cecil and Ida Green’s historic support for the school.

“Cecil and Ida Green had no children of their own, and when people would ask Cecil if he had any sons, he would say, ‘yeah, about 600,’ referring to us,” Owens said. “Sitting in a chair with his name on it reminds me of all the support he gave us during the whole time I was here.”

In the 1980s, the school began endowing its first Master Teaching Chairs, bringing in award-winning teachers from across the country. Owens remembers having many of these early master teachers during his time at St. Mark’s.

“I remember just how good they were and how much I enjoyed those classes and those teachers,” Owens said. “To walk behind them is pretty amazing.”

His appointment marks a significant moment in Owens’ 29-year-long career at St. Mark’s, representing not only personal achievement but also a continuation of the school’s tradition of honoring educators who leave a lasting impact on students.

As he reflects on the teachers who shaped him, taking on a mentorship role has become one of the most meaningful parts of his job because it allows him to build the same connections that once inspired him. Owens now aims to offer the same guidance to his own students.

“Occasionally, I get to mentor kids a little bit closer,” Owens said. “I get to be for them who my best teachers were to me, and that’s a really special part of the job.”

That desire to match the standard set by his mentors also drives his ongoing commitment to growth. Owens actively seeks new knowledge and experiences to turn into lessons for his students.

“You always want to keep doing better,” Owens said. “So I go to conferences, I take side trips when I vacation to get a little more chemistry. I’ll go to mines and museums, take pictures and go out to find stuff I can bring back and teach. And I’ll keep doing that.”

Beyond the academic side of the job, Owens is motivated by the daily interactions that come with being in the classroom. For Owens, this dedication ties back to a simple love for teaching and clarity.

“I like making the world clear to people, and I just like the day-to-day teaching,” Owens said.

Over the years, moments of connection with former students have reaffirmed his commitment. Hearing from alumni long after graduation reminds him that what he’s teaching continues to make an impact.

“Occasionally, I’ll have alumni come back, and I can get that feedback from students ten, 15 or 20 years later,” Owens said. “That’s great to know that you’ve had an impact.”

Those long-term connections are especially meaningful given the obstacles he has faced throughout his career. One of the most significant challenges was stepping into the role of AP Chemistry teacher during his fourth year at St. Mark’s.

“I had to take over the AP Chemistry teaching,” Owens said. “Stepping up to that and being able to keep doing it was a real challenge.”

Over time, teaching the subject at a high level has deepened both his understanding and his ability to share it.

“And even having two degrees in the field, teaching (chemistry) cements the knowledge better and how to communicate it better,” Owens said.