LFA's New Head of School

Lake Forest Academy Names José M. De Jesús 30th Head of School

José M. De Jesús to Succeed John Strudwick in July 2019

José M. De Jesús, head of the upper school at Packer Collegiate Institute, N.Y., was named the 30th Head of School of Lake Forest Academy on October 9, 2018.

LFA’s Board of Trustees made the appointment upon the unanimous recommendation of its 14-member head of school search team. The head of school search team was advised and assisted by Deirdre Ling and Educators’ Collaborative LLC.

José M. De Jesús’ academic background, boarding school experience and educational philosophy and vision, combined with his personal disposition, character and core values, stood out during the ten-month search process, says J. Michael Schell ’65, life trustee and chair of the HOS search team. He describes the 43-year-old teacher, administrator and educator as an “empathetic, insightful and inspirational leader” with an intuitive sense for understanding how high school students learn, interact, serve and grow.

“Mr. De Jesús’ intelligence, warmth, passion and record of accomplishment at each stage of his professional development were the qualities that recommended him to our search team and our board,” said Schell. “As we

Andrea and José M. De Jesús will be on campus starting July 2019. got to know him over the course of the search, it became clear that he has the essential qualities, character, values and dedication to lead Lake Forest Academy well. Among them, he is instinctively collegial and has a naturally collaborative leadership style. He is a perfect fit for LFA’s slogan: Midwestern Heart. Global Mind.”

From Head of School John Strudwick P’13, ’15, ’18, Schell says, Mr. De Jesús will inherit a superb and powerful legacy on which to build.

Gregory Jones P’12, ’14, a trustee and co-vice chair of the search team, adds that LFA will enter a new era of leadership from a position of strength. “The selection of Mr. De Jesús is an affirmation of that strength, as well as the shared vision and hard work that have propelled this great school through the last two decades,” he said. “As wonderful as our progress has been, and continues to be, I have every confidence that it can be even better. Mr. De Jesús’ academic credentials, aptitude and performance will enhance his ability to make that happen.”

Jim Cowart ’69, trustee and co-vice chair of the search team, also notes, “It was most important that Mr. De Jesús’ values and vision for education align with LFA’s own values, mission and strategic plan. He is decisive, calm, and compassionate and matches rigorous, disciplined analysis with an inquiring mind, a keen intuition for people, and a strong sense of community. A strategic thinker, he has the strength of character and judgment to lead the LFA community in the coming years.”

Dr. Strudwick applauds the trustees for their decision. “Lake Forest Academy and Mr. De Jesús are very well-matched. We are an institution that emphasizes great teaching and innovation. He will be a champion of both.”

De Jesús is anxious to begin preparing his transition. “I am humbled and excited to partner with LFA’s dedicated school community. The love and passion for the school exhibited by families, faculty, students, alumni and trustees is palpable. Together, we have challenging and inspiring work ahead of us. I am especially looking forward to consolidating the gains the school has made during Dr. Strudwick’s transformational tenure.”

10 Review Fall 2018 • www.lfanet.org