Welcome to our new Head of Upper School, J.R. Neiswender!

“I am most enthusiastic to return to Quaker education after a few years away. The way students, families, faculty, and staff come together to form a thoughtful and caring educational community has been a hallmark of my experience at two previous Quaker schools, and in my brief time getting to know members of the Wilmington Friends community, I was excited to find the same enthusiasm and energy for Quaker principles and the way those principles inform and govern the various elements of school life. I am extremely excited to get on campus and join the vibrant WFS community,” J.R. said.

With an A.B. degree in history from Princeton University and an M.A. from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College at Columbia University, J.R. has had an extensive career in independent schools over the past 31 years, including 11 years at two Quaker schools: Friends School Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland, and Abington Friends School in Abington, Pennsylvania.

J.R.’s appointment came after an extensive national search. Approximately 50 candidates applied for the position, the search committee interviewed eight semifinalists, and three finalists visited campus. During each two-day visit, various stakeholders––including faculty, staff, students, parents, administrators, and trustees––interviewed the candidates.

 

J.R. begins on July 1, 2024, and we are excited to welcome him to the community!

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