Our community is saying “thank you” for their decades of service and extraordinary contributions on The Hill.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to our St. Stephen’s colleagues who will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. 

“These are big shoes to fill on each front,” said Chris Gunnin, head of school. “I look forward to opportunities in the coming months to celebrate these remarkable colleagues and their enduring gifts to St. Stephen's.”

Sherry Buchanan has contributed nearly three decades of service to St. Stephen’s. She joined the Advancement Office in 1996 as campaign leadership volunteer coordinator and, over the years, served the school in a variety of roles, including community relations coordinator, development office associate and development office community liaison. In 2000, she was appointed director of the Annual Fund and parent liaison, a role in which she has truly made her mark.

Throughout her career, Buchanan worked closely with parent and alumni volunteers to strengthen connections and foster a sense of community. Through her tireless advocacy, poise and gracious leadership, she helped raise millions of dollars for the Annual Fund, enabling countless opportunities for students, faculty and staff. Her unwavering commitment and the relationships she built with volunteers have left a lasting impact on the community.

Buchanan has a special talent for welcoming parents into the life of the school and helping them feel a true part of the St. Stephen’s community. Her warmth, enthusiasm and genuine love of the school have inspired countless others to give generously of their time and talent. She also has a gift for recognizing and thanking others, ensuring that everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Buchanan’s legacy of service extends beyond The Hill through leadership roles with the Junior League of Austin, St. David’s Hospital and the Helping Hand Home for Children. Her early career as a flight attendant for Braniff International no doubt helped shape her lifelong commitment to service and connection. 

Mason Cox arrived at St. Stephen’s in 1981 after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago. Cox has worn many hats and served the community in countless ways, from creating new curriculum inspired by his beloved Chicago and being an early adopter of new technologies to sponsoring student trips, coaching volleyball, supporting international students and welcoming boarders. He has attended countless student games and performances.

A former boarding student at Phillips Exeter Academy, Cox served the residential life program for 42 years as a house leader and dorm parent. In 2020, he transitioned to the International Program, where he helps international students build a foundation of study skills and academic success strategies, teaches two classes — Transitional History 9 and Transitional History 10 — supports the Venture Program, co-sponsors FACES and Model UN, and assists with the Thai Scholar and Japan Exchange programs through mentorship. His unwavering commitment and readiness to support the History Department and the school as a whole in whatever capacity is needed make it nearly impossible to measure the full impact of his contributions.

Brian Gray will conclude nearly two decades of service to St. Stephen’s. He joined the school in 2004 as a computer science teacher, technology coordinator and dorm parent. Over the years, he absorbed additional responsibilities, ultimately becoming the school’s database administrator and a key driver of technology initiatives across campus.

Always intrigued by how technology can streamline operations and support teaching, Gray listens to faculty and staff feedback and ideas, translating them into innovative, custom solutions that reflect the culture and needs of St. Stephen’s. From building software tools from scratch to integrating complex systems, his work helps the school operate with greater digital efficiency each day.

Beyond his technical expertise, Gray has been a trusted mentor and collaborator, known for his calm problem-solving, incisive analysis and wry sense of humor. His guidance, patience and creativity have touched students, colleagues and the broader school community alike. 

Luis Murillo, Ph.D., joined St. Stephen’s in 2021 as a history teacher, bringing more than 20 years of teaching and leadership experience at the high school and collegiate levels, along with a deep love of learning and a passion for helping young people grow. He earned a doctorate from the University of California, San Diego, and teaches required history courses as well as popular electives on modern Mexico and social and economic justice.

Murillo is a dedicated and inspiring teacher, known for seizing teaching moments in and out of the classroom. His humor, kindness and genuine care for students have left a lasting impact. Beyond the classroom, he has contributed widely to the school community, supporting the Espacios Compartidos affinity group and the Cum Laude Society, serving on the Discipline Committee, acting as a Breakthrough sponsor and coaching JV soccer.

Many in the community have heard countless commencement addresses over the years, but those who heard Murillo’s address to the Class of 2024 will likely not forget his remarks, which reflected his sense of humor, deep connection with students and academic gifts. 

Cindy Stadulis joined St. Stephen’s in August 2018 as chief financial officer, bringing more than 30 years of financial and operational leadership experience from Princeton Day School, Dwight-Englewood School and Kentucky Country Day School. She later added chief operating officer to her title and, in 2023, became associate head of school for finance and operations.

During her tenure at St. Stephen’s, Stadulis has provided exceptional leadership across the Business Office, overseeing finance, accounting and human resources, as well as operational departments including custodial services, dining services, maintenance, security and the campus store. She manages the school’s capital projects, including the recent construction of the St. Stephen’s Aquatic Center, and her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the school’s financial and operational foundation.

In addition, Stadulis has served the residential community with great heart and dedication as a duty administrator, providing steady support and care to students and colleagues alike. Each summer, she studies homemade flashcards with each boarder’s name to help make St. Stephen’s feel more like home.

Stadulis has also contributed to her profession through leadership roles with the National Business Officers Association and the Association of Business Officers of Independent Schools. She is a recipient of the Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award, presented by the National Business Officers Association to exceptionally active and inspiring chief business officers who have dedicated their careers to supporting others in the field beyond their own campuses.