Woman named head of school for first time in WRA history

Western Reserve Academy announced Suzanne Walker Buck as its new head of school, the first woman to hold the post in WRA history, according to a press release. The release also said that WRA has completed its $86.5 million Campaign for Excellence & Access.

“Suzanne’s appointment adds to the feelings of pride and momentum we feel at Western Reserve Academy today,” said Tim Warner ‘69, co-president of the WRA Board of Trustees. “In many ways, she personifies the school: – accomplished and dynamic, thoughtful and intrepid – these are the qualities we sought in our next leader.”

The board and a search committee unanimously selected Buck as WRA’s 32nd head of school after a national search. Her tenure will begin on July 1, 2019.

Buck is a graduate of two private boarding schools, Fay School in Southborough, Mass., and Farmington, Conn.-based Miss Porter’s School. According to the news release, “She knew as early as the fifth grade that the world of boarding schools held a spell of magic and could always foresee returning to work in such an extraordinary environment.”

After graduating from Connecticut College, Buck joined Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn., as an admission counselor, dorm parent and field hockey and lacrosse coach. She earned a graduate degree in clinical social work from Columbia University and a degree in education from Harvard University.

Most recently, Buck served as rector at Chatham Hall in Chatham, Va., where in four years enrollment increased by 36 percent. Tuition revenue rose significantly, and annual giving went up 14 percent. Buck is vice chair of the Association of Boarding Schools and chair of the governance committee for the Enrollment Management Association.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Western Reserve Academy,” Buck said in the release. “While rich in traditions, resources and programs, I am struck most by the character of the community. My husband, Johnny, and I are extremely honored to root our professional lives and family in Hudson at Western Reserve Academy.”

Buck will succeed Christopher D. Burner ‘80, who has served as head of school during the last decade. Burner oversaw transformation that included the Campaign for Excellence & Access, which helped grow the school’s endowment to allow for $6 million in financial aid to be awarded annually, and enabled historic additions and renovations to the campus.

 

Featured image photo caption: Suzanne Walker Buck