In a letter to parents in May, President Thorsett announced the formation of a Willamette Academy steering committee, charged with leading the search for a permanent executive director for the academy. The committee, chaired by professors Kelley Strawn and Ellen Eisenberg, includes Willamette Academy alumni, current student mentors and parents, Willamette staff and faculty members, Willamette trustees and community representatives.
At a parent meeting on June 13, the committee received valuable feedback on what parents seek in an executive director and how to best include parents in the search process.
After reviewing a large pool of applicants, the committee narrowed the search to three finalists, who will visit Willamette starting on July 27 for in-person meetings with Willamette Academy stakeholders, including parents and current students.
Parents and students are invited to attend special sessions to meet the candidates and ask questions. Spanish interpretation will be provided during the parent meeting and child care will be available courtesy of the Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality.
Wednesday, July 27
Candidate #1
6-7 p.m. – Parent meeting
7-8 p.m. – Student meeting
Thursday, July 28
Candidate #2
6-7 p.m. – Parent meeting
7-8 p.m. – Student meeting
Friday, July 29
Candidate #3
6-7 p.m. – Parent meeting
7-8 p.m. – Student meeting
After on-campus interviews are complete, the committee will make a recommendation to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts by early August. Once appointed, Willamette Academy’s permanent executive director is expected to start before the Salem-Keizer Public Schools academic year begins in early September.
More information, including updates on the search process, can be found on the Willamette Academy steering committee website.