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Head of School Bessie Speers Named Trustee of Middlebury College

By Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications and Marketing
This article appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Tower Hill Bulletin

Head of School Bessie Speers has been named a trustee of Middlebury College, her alma mater. Middlebury College is a top-ranked liberal arts college in Vermont, known nationally and internationally for a strong academic reputation and distinguished programs in politics, languages, environmental stewardship and social entrepreneurship.
 
“I have always felt very fortunate to have attended Middlebury, and I have stayed in touch with professors and coaches since I graduated,” Speers said. “I was honored to be asked to serve as a trustee. It is a privilege to give back to a place that means so much to me.” 
 
Speers studied English at Middlebury and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1986. She competed for four years on the varsity tennis team and as captain organized the first women’s spring training trip to California. She went on to earn a master of liberal arts degree from Johns Hopkins University, during which time she attended a summer program at Middlebury’s Breadloaf School of English. She has interviewed prospective applicants as an alumni admissions representative, hosted Middlebury alumni receptions when she lived in Connecticut and served on a Class Reunion Committee to encourage strong participation and philanthropy from her class. 
 
“I had a fabulous experience as an English major, with gifted professors who inspired me to love reading and writing,” Speers said. “If I can provide a bit of perspective as an alum and school head, it is the least I can do for a place that is very much part of my soul.” 
 
Speers began her career at the National Association of Independent Schools in Boston and then became associate director of admission at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut. She held various administrative positions, taught English and coached at Bryn Mawr School, Calvert School and Episcopal Academy. In 2007 she became head of school at The Ethel Walker School in Connecticut, where she oversaw significant programmatic advancements, investment in technology and several significant building projects including a new dormitory, library renovation and a $20 million centennial center that included a natatorium, new gymnasia, squash courts, student and health centers, and dance and fitness studios. The centennial center was the capstone project of a $50 million centennial campaign. 
 
Speers joined Tower Hill as head of school in 2015 and currently serves as a board member of various professional organizations including The Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS), The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE) and Mariposa Foundation serving girls in the Dominican Republic. She is an active member of several national associations including Headmasters, Country Day Schools Heads Association and The Heads Network, of which she is president emeritus.
 
The Nominating Committee of the Middlebury Alumni Association (MAA) Board put forth her candidacy for the open trustee position, and her five-year term began July 1. 
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