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News & Photos
Rick Commons Chosen to Head Groton School
Hired in 1997 as the Upper School's dean of students and director of boarding, Commons became assistant headmaster in 1999. As such, he focused on four key aspects of the McDonogh experience. Commons coordinated the faculty hiring process schoolwide, seeking to recruit top teachers from around the country. He also strengthened the five-day boarding program, emphasizing family, community, and school values for the 80 to 90 Upper School students living in the dorms during the week. With both the boarders' and teachers' needs in mind, Commons expanded the campus housing program for faculty. And most recently, he served as lead author of the school's strategic plan. He also taught English and coached sports.
"McDonogh has been an experience that has shaped not just my career, but my values," said Commons, who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and master's degrees from Stanford University and Middlebury College. "I will miss being part of this wonderful community, where relationships among colleagues and between teachers and students are so strong." Looking ahead, Commons emphasized the mentoring he has received from McDonogh Headmaster Bo Dixon. "I will look to the tremendous leadership Bo has offered McDonogh as a guide and an inspiration in my work with Groton School."
Said Bo Dixon, "It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with Rick for the past six years, and we will all miss him. On the other hand, I am thrilled that Groton chose Rick and his wife, Lindsay, to lead their school."
In Groton's announcement of the Commons appointment, Board of Trustees president Hardwick Simmons described the thorough international search and commented on Commons as the unanimous choice. Said Simmons,'"Rick's commitment to helping students develop academic skills, character, and faith closely aligns with the work of Groton School."'
Located 40 miles northwest of Boston, Groton emphasizes intellectual, moral, and physical development in preparing students for college and "the active work of life." The co-ed, primarily residential school enrolls 362 students in grades eight through twelve.
With 1,260 boys and girls in kindergarten through grade twelve, McDonogh stresses "strong, mutually respectful relationships among and between students and teachers [that] inspire a passion for learning, a dedication to personal integrity, and a commitment to excellence."
Hired in 1997 as the Upper School's dean of students and director of boarding, Commons became assistant headmaster in 1999. As such, he focused on four key aspects of the McDonogh experience. Commons coordinated the faculty hiring process schoolwide, seeking to recruit top teachers from around the country. He also strengthened the five-day boarding program, emphasizing family, community, and school values for the 80 to 90 Upper School students living in the dorms during the week. With both the boarders' and teachers' needs in mind, Commons expanded the campus housing program for faculty. And most recently, he served as lead author of the school's strategic plan. He also taught English and coached sports.
"McDonogh has been an experience that has shaped not just my career, but my values," said Commons, who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and master's degrees from Stanford University and Middlebury College. "I will miss being part of this wonderful community, where relationships among colleagues and between teachers and students are so strong." Looking ahead, Commons emphasized the mentoring he has received from McDonogh Headmaster Bo Dixon. "I will look to the tremendous leadership Bo has offered McDonogh as a guide and an inspiration in my work with Groton School."
Said Bo Dixon, "It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with Rick for the past six years, and we will all miss him. On the other hand, I am thrilled that Groton chose Rick and his wife, Lindsay, to lead their school."
In Groton's announcement of the Commons appointment, Board of Trustees president Hardwick Simmons described the thorough international search and commented on Commons as the unanimous choice. Said Simmons,'"Rick's commitment to helping students develop academic skills, character, and faith closely aligns with the work of Groton School."'
Located 40 miles northwest of Boston, Groton emphasizes intellectual, moral, and physical development in preparing students for college and "the active work of life." The co-ed, primarily residential school enrolls 362 students in grades eight through twelve.
With 1,260 boys and girls in kindergarten through grade twelve, McDonogh stresses "strong, mutually respectful relationships among and between students and teachers [that] inspire a passion for learning, a dedication to personal integrity, and a commitment to excellence."