Sam Moss

Road to Retirement

In the world of college admissions, Sam Moss (,63) is a well-known name. Ask anyone. And why shouldn't it be? The man has been helping Darlington students find the right college fit for the past four decades.

If you attended Darlington during his tenure, you’ve likely been greeted by him in the chapel or the halls of Wilcox. And, while dapperly dressed – always wearing his signature bow tie, he probably called your name as a senior, first announcing your college acceptances and then again at Commencement.

After 40 years of service to Darlington and 55 years in independent school education, Moss has retired as dean of college guidance. He will continue to live on campus and serve in a part-time role as school historian before retiring fully in the spring of 2023.

A 1963 Darlington graduate, Moss received his B.A. from Sewanee: The University of the South, his M.A. from Jacksonville University, and completed additional study at Oxford University in England. He taught at Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Fla., for 15 years before accepting a job at his alma mater in 1982.

“While Darlington remained familiar to me as the place that I had always loved, it had also changed in significant ways,” he said. “First of all, it had merged with Thornwood and admitted boarding girls. Secondly, it had become integrated. Third, it had become international. So, in many ways, it was a much more diverse and, in some ways, perhaps a more interesting school than the Darlington I went to … I became quickly convinced that the mix of students here would be fascinating to teach and work with.”

Over the next four decades, Moss would teach English and serve as dean of studies, Summer Session principal, and associate headmaster in addition to his role leading the College Guidance Office. A nationally recognized leader in his field, he was also tapped to serve as president of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling; as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of College Admission Counseling; as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association for College Counseling Independent Schools; and on admissions advisory boards at many universities, including UGA, Auburn, Oglethorpe, and the University of Miami.

“Being a teacher, mentor, and friend to students as they learn and grow and develop into wonderful adults is the greatest job I can imagine,” said Moss. “As a college counselor, the greatest satisfaction comes in seeing students become self-motivated, selfdirected, confident in their college search, and taking the initiative in advocating for themselves. There is nothing better than seeing a student find a ‘college home’ where he or she will have a great experience.”

And while enjoying the first months in his new role, he certainly misses the students.

“I miss the energy, openness, wit, quirks, talents, stories, excitement, and just sheer fun of working with teenagers,” he said. “They are wonderful, challenging, engaging, inspiring, entertaining – and all things that make life interesting.”

He also misses the many colleagues with whom he built friendships over the years.

“From colleagues in my early years here like Jim McCallie, Brad Gioia, Carl Paxton, David Rhodes, Sally Rudert (’66T), Rick Buice and Jack Summerbell – to friends and colleagues in more recent times – they have all helped me grow,” he said. “In so many ways, my colleagues have made me a better person – both by acknowledging my strengths and by helping me recognize my weaknesses. Another great joy has been to have as colleagues young alumni who have chosen to return to work here. And no one could possibly have been any luckier than to work with Madge Crawford (’84) and Ivy Brewer all day every day.”

Moss is proud to have dedicated the majority of his career to his alma mater – a place that empowers young people to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect.

“From well-known alumni like Roby Robinson (’58), John Thatcher (’44), and George Johnson (’54) to students who are in their first year at Darlington now, I have heard the same comment: that coming to Darlington has been a life-changing experience for them,” he said. “Hearing students say that – even before they graduate – further increases my faith in Darlington and my belief in everything the school has stood for.”