Sewickley Academy names Associate Head of School

Sewickley Academy has named Chris J. Anderson as its Associate Head of School.

Anderson will assume the role in July, the Academy announced on April 25.

“I am so excited to be back. I left 11 years ago to come here to Episcopal Academy. I have really missed Sewickley Academy during those years,” Anderson said.

Her resume includes serving as the academic dean for pre-K through grade 12 at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pa. Anderson worked at Sewickley Academy from 1995 to 2011 as the senior school mathematics department and math department chair. She received the 2010-11 Clark Faculty Chair, named for former Head of School Ham Clark, which recognizes a master teacher, colleague and peer mentor in the Academy’s faculty.

“After a multi-day interview process during which Chris met with faculty, staff, and administration, as well as parent and student representatives, the feedback I received was unanimously positive,” Head of School Ashley Birtwell said via a news release. “I had numerous faculty from across our three divisions ask me to hire her before she left campus.”

As Associate Head of School, Anderson will oversee academic strategy and operations, including curriculum and staffing.

The former Assistant Head of School Ken Goleski resigned, along with four other faculty members, on March 7 in the aftermath of students and parents attempting to deliver a petition to academy administration demanding change on March 3.

Academy spokesperson Jennifer Donovan said Anderson will take on some of Goleski’s responsibilities.

“We’re excited to move forward with Chris — it’s really not about replacing Ken Goleski, but positioning Sewickley Academy with the best team possible for the future,” she said.

Anderson looks forward to reacquainting herself with the academy and community when she starts her role.

“I really want to sit with faculty and students and families and learn where Sewickley Academy is at right now,” she said.