Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is with great pleasure that I announce that Jessica Walton will join WT as the Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Wellness in July 2021. Jessica is currently the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator and a faculty member in the History Department at Perkiomen School, an independent boarding and day school in eastern Pennsylvania. In these roles, Jessica works to create inclusive classroom spaces and curriculum, teaches history and human geography classes, serves as an academic advisor and dorm parent, collaborates with the Admissions Office, and serves as Head Coach for Varsity Girls' basketball. After earning a B.A. in Communication Studies from The College of Saint Rose and a Master of International Law and Criminal Justice from the University of East London, Jessica received an International Fellowship with PeacePlayers International–Cyprus to collaborate with local staff to coach basketball and teach peace education and leadership skills. Jessica then served as a Leadership Development Coordinator at State University of New York SAIL Institute, working as the lead project coordinator for the SUNY Global Leader Experience student leadership programs.
Jessica impressed faculty, students, parents, administrators, and staff at each stage of the hiring process. "Jessica understands the importance of leveraging relationships and has the humility to know she doesn't have all the answers, but seeks out and asks for support from those who do," noted one interviewer. "Jessica appears to be both interested and well-versed in best practices and able to focus on what is at the heart of developing and strengthening an equitable and inclusive culture. Her clear communication and honing of core drivers for the work will be helpful in navigating issues of diversity," added another.
I am grateful for the participation of so many members of our community in this search process, and am eager to welcome Jessica to campus this summer. We will schedule a meet and greet with her just as soon as we are able.
Scott D. Fech, Ph.D. Head of School
© 2021 Winchester Thurston School
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