THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2024 91 cratic, top-down approach. I particularly loved the gatherings with students who weren’t shy about asking tough questions or candidly sharing their views. In the end, what factors led the trustees to choose me as a nontraditional candidate? At the top of the list, they felt I could be a credible leader of a complex 1,155-student boarding school on two campuses separated by the Connecticut River. I showed promise of helping the school chart new strategic directions while also overseeing management of the myriad day-to-day issues of hiring faculty, setting the right academic tone, resolving disputes, fundraising, and collaborating with the trustees. Like a chief of mission, you are on duty 24 hours a day, prepared for the inevitable crises and emergencies. I had broad experience in the Foreign Service with all such issues and was an enthusiastic proponent of strengthening the school’s deep roots, going back to our founder, D.L. Moody, in international education. They said they were convinced I was still a lifelong learner who could adapt to a school environment. How did it all work out? In a nutshell, the experience was wonderful. Our seven years living on campus, mingling every day with students, engaging in vigorous academic debate, attending concerts and sports events, building What factors led the trustees to choose me as a nontraditional candidate?
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