Meet The Next Head of School

MEET GOW’S NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL JOHN R. MUNRO, JR.

“It is with deep gratitude and immense enthusiasm that I accept the invitation to serve as Gow’s Head of School. Gow’s mission to transform the lives of students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences inspires and energizes me. I am eager to partner with all members of the Gow community to help author the next chapter in Gow’s evolution.”

A Conversation with John Munro

John Munro with his family

Why Gow?

I first visited Gow in the late 1990s. The sense of community was palpable, as was the collective commitment of the faculty to engage and inspire their students. It’s an honor to soon serve as the next leader of this community and to build upon almost 100 years of changing the life trajectories of students with learning challenges.

You and your family have a passion for Buffalo. Tell us more.

We have deep ties to WNY and Buffalo. We enjoy summers at the Chautauqua Institution, and as an administrator at Nichols, Buffalo was our home for 13 years. We look forward to reuniting with friends, and as loyal Bills season ticket holders since 1997, we already cheer for our team!

What attracted you to working at a boarding school?

My two brothers and I attended boarding schools and benefited from the “all-in, 24/7” nature of residential schools. Like many boarding school students, I found academic confidence through meaningful connections with my teachers. I am also a boarding school parent, as two of my daughters attended for a combined eight years. We are indebted to those schools for making a difference in our lives.

Tell us more about you!

I am a relatively new but dedicated bass guitar player and play in a local band. When not practicing or performing, I love attending live music shows, exploring new genres, and hearing up-and-coming bands. I am also an avid fisherman and paddle tennis player.

A MESSAGE FROM GOW’S SEARCH COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Mary Ann Coulson, Search Committee Chair, and Skip Wilday, Chairman, Gow Board of Trustees Brad Rogers announced his retirement in November and we got right to work. As the Search Committee Co-chairs, we invited Trustees to serve on the Search Committee and hired an executive search firm. After receiving dozens of resumes, candidates came to campus for immersive two-day meetings with Gow students, faculty, staff, parents, families, and committee members. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this rigorous selection process, and to the Search Committee members for sharing their time and talent.

From the moment we met John Munro, we knew he offered a unique skill set and personality that would be a fit for The Gow School.

His vast experience includes working at The Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport, CT (2019-20) as Assistant Head of School and as a Trustee, at The Fairfield Country Day in Fairfield, CT (2010-19) as Head of School, at The Nichols School in Buffalo, NY (1997-2010) as Assistant Head of School, Director of the Middle School, and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, and at The Park Tudor School in Indianapolis, IN (1994-97) as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. A graduate of Deerfield Academy, John earned a BA from Hamilton College and an MA from Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Beth, have three daughters, Grace, 30; Izzy, 27; and Alice, 22.

John’s belief in independent schools, engaging personality, and passion for education make him an ideal choice to become Gow’s next Head of School. Please join us in welcoming John and Beth to Gow in July 2023.