Fr. Mark Payne Institute: Advancing the Benedict’s Model

The Vox Institute has a new name and expanded outlook. Established in 2016 following the “60 Minutes” broadcast on St. Benedict’s Prep, the Institute works with public, charter and Catholic schools interested in adapting the Benedict’s approach and mindset. It was renamed the Fr. Mark Payne Institute in September in honor of the late Rev. Mark Payne, O.S.B. ’69, the architect behind the Group System, the Backpacking Project and much of what St. Benedict’s is today.

“We are being more intentional about our offerings,” said Glenn Cassidy, Ed.D. ’90, Director of the Fr. Mark Payne Institute. Outreach to schools is now more proactive. The Institute will soon launch three ongoing workshops focused on counseling, student leadership and strengthening community to alleviate bullying. Geared to school counselors, teachers, administrators and students, schools can opt to hold the St. Benedict’s facilitated workshops on-site or at 520 MLK Boulevard.

The Fr. Mark Payne Institute is also continuing longer term partnerships with schools, and the number of student fellows has grown from eight to 30. Fr. Mark Fellows as they are now known, are developing educational programming, conducting outreach to schools, giving tours to visitors, and traveling to current partner schools in Delaware and Ohio to co-present workshops. A webinar series, retreats and other programming is also in the pipeline. According to Dr. Cassidy, it all comes down to a singular goal: spreading the Benedict’s model.