7 minute read
ANDY CHAPPELL
Derryfield’s Next Chapter:
That was a common reaction at Roxbury Latin School, after the announcement that Andy Chappell would be leaving to become Derryfield’s 9th head of school.
As the news spread and testimonials piled up on the esteemed school’s Instagram account, enthusiastic congratulations and well wishes mixed with expressions of sadness at his departure. And one more sentiment proved to be widespread. “They are lucky to have him, he was born to be a head of school!”
Andy Chappell may not have actually been born to the role, but he was definitely raised in a family that helped launch him on the journey that has led him to Derryfield.
For over 40 years in rural Virginia, Andy’s father was a public school guidance counselor, principal, and superintendent of schools. “He loved his work, he was a real champion of making sure that every child had access to a bright future,” Chappell recounts. Chappell’s mother was a longtime social worker who also taught him what it meant to serve others, especially those who had less than him. “As I was growing up, I was fortunate to see the impact that my mom and dad had on numerous adults and kids, including some of the most vulnerable among us.” Beginning with their influence, and growing throughout his own education, he began to realize his own lifelong interests in being part of a community of learners, connecting with people, and serving others.
Andy studied at the University of Virginia, and afterwards headed to New England where he took a master’s degree from Dartmouth College and launched a quarter-century career at Roxbury Latin. He served as a teacher of Latin and Greek and chair of the classics department, coach of baseball and soccer, student advisor, director of admission, and the assistant head for program— all while building the personal relationships that were expressed so eloquently when his departure was announced. Headmaster Kerry Brennan said that Andy had “filled virtually every role an adult can at Roxbury Latin,” and stressed that while doing so his “contributions to Roxbury Latin are peerless.”
But when the opportunity arose to lead Derryfield, Andy recalls, the decision to apply was a no- brainer. “It’s very clear to me that this was a special opportunity,” he says. “One of the things that really attracted me to Derryfield is the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of the place.” Familiar with many New England independent schools through his work with NEASC accreditation as well as his work with the Independent School Teaching Residency program at the University of Pennsylvania, he saw few schools that in recent years had undertaken so many meaningful, student-centered changes like replacing AP classes, designing a new academic program, and building new facilities to complement that vision.
“All that suggested to me this isn’t a place that just says ‘we’ve done a great job for 60 years.’ Derryfield is really asking, ‘how can we get better, how can we serve students, what does that look like, and how do we make that happen?’”
Andy was also drawn to Derryfield because of the School’s commitment to strong core values, including making a broader impact on the community. “Derryfield is a place that’s committed to making sure that students not only grow up to be smart and talented but even more importantly that they are good citizens of this world,” he says. “It’s a place where people really care about how you develop as a human being and how you treat other people.”
Dr. Andy Myers, a faculty member who served on the search committee, said that among an impressive group of candidates the committee was impressed by the breadth of experience Andy Chappell had at all levels of an independent school. “Andy has a very solid understanding that in order to build community you have to work with many different constituencies.”
His ability to connect with people also stood out. “He’s the most popular student advisor at Roxbury Latin and the idea that so many kids request him says a lot,” adds Laura Russell, another member of the search committee. “And what really fits with Derryfield’s culture is that he has a sense of all the great things that are possible for the School, paired with a really down-to-earth and unpretentious nature that’s right at home in New Hampshire.”
“He came into the interview knowing Derryfield,” adds Dr. Myers. “He knew what our core values and culture are all about.”
There’s a very good reason Andy Chappell knew about the School’s community and core values; the new head is no stranger to the School. Andy’s wife, Kate Hurlbut Chappell, is an alum of the Class of 1993, and she served as a Breakthrough Manchester (then known as Summerbridge) teaching fellow for five summers. “For me this is home, this is where I grew up,” she says. “When I think about my most meaningful and impactful educational experience it’s here. So it’s really exciting to be back and have the opportunity to be part of the new Derryfield.”
And Kate jokes that she actually started her own Derryfield education at age seven. That’s because her father, Marc Hurlbut enjoyed a very successful tenure as head of school from 1982 to 1994—the longest in Derryfield’s history. “When I first met Kate, and then I met her father, I heard about this wonderful place and stories about legendary teachers and coaches, like Dennis Holland and David Haight,” Andy recalls.
“So there’s a family history there, and some institutional knowledge, which for me is incredibly helpful. Of course where the school was 30 years ago and where it is today are very different. But the through line that I see are the core values, the relationships in the community, and the new group of talented teachers who love kids. For me, I’m excited to ask, ‘what’s the next chapter?’”
As that chapter begins Andy, Kate, and their two children, Brady (18) and Samantha (15) have enjoyed joining the Derryfield community. “I see this first year as a chance to build relationships, get to know people, build trust, and listen closely,” he explains. “It’s great to have an opportunity to hear from all constituents about what they love about Derryfield, how Derryfield will get better, create a vision for what that looks like, and finally how we can accomplish that together.”
Q&A with Derryfield's Next Head of School
My mother and father, first and foremost; they set the stage for my values, work ethic, and concern for others. In addition, I had a number of teachers and coaches who influenced and shaped me into the person I am today, most notably, Ms. Province, my third grade teacher, and my basketball coach, Tim Taylor.
I worked at the Piedmont Deli as a sandwich and pizza maker, cold cut slicer, and general employee. In many ways that experience shaped me into the person I am today.
I love Italy and Greece because of my passion for the classical world, but I also loved visiting Egypt and South Africa because of how different they are from where I grew up and how friendly people are there.
MAROON! Family colors stick together...
