Elgin Academy names new head of school

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Seth L. Hanford

Updated: March 18, 2012 8:12AM

ELGIN — Elgin Academy announced Wednesday its assistant head of school Seth L. Hanford will become the academy’s 36th head of school in July.

Hanford will take the reins from current head of school John Cooper, who has accepted a headship at TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas, according to a written statement from the academy.

“The Board and I have the utmost confidence in Seth Hanford’s ability to lead this community as it moves forward. He is well-matched to expand the range of work already under way at the school and continue its long tradition of academic excellence,” Elgin Academy Board of Trustees Chairman Fred Masnato said in the statement.

“We have selected an individual who is an educator as well as an administrator. He is deeply dedicated to serving students of all ages and has a profound understanding and ongoing commitment to the larger world of independent education.”

Cooper called his successor “an educator with strong convictions and good instincts” and said he “possesses a strong understanding of both our unique school as well as the larger network of independent schools.”

Hanford has served for more than 20 years in education. He was appointed upper school director at Elgin Academy in 2004 and assistant head in 2006, according to the academy.

He is active with the National Association of Independent Schools and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.

Previously, Hanford has worked as a teacher and adviser in both upper and middle school divisions at two other independent schools — Greens Farms Academy in Connecticut and Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School in Missouri, where he also was dean of students.

He graduated cum laude, with distinction, from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in history. He then earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, with a specialization in private school leadership.

And now, he said, “I am thrilled and humbled to have been selected as the next head of school at Elgin Academy.

“I have been privileged to wear many hats at a number of excellent independent schools and look forward with much eagerness to serve the Elgin Academy community as head of school. I believe it is important to foster the conditions necessary for students to think critically, gain an appreciation for learning, and develop a desire to use their skills and knowledge to make the world around them a better place. We do that at Elgin Academy.”