Josh Marvil, Chair

Dear Friends of Chewonki,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Chewonki Foundation, I am pleased to announce that Willard Morgan has been unanimously endorsed to be the next and fourth president of Chewonki. His position commences on July 12. Willard will assume overall leadership of Chewonki after six years as head of Chewonki Semester School (formerly Maine Coast Semester). He succeeds Don Hudson, who retires in July after 44 years of service to Chewonki, and 19 years as president. Only two others, Clarence Allen and Tim Ellis, have led Chewonki during its 95-year history.

During Willard’s tenure as head of school, Chewonki Semester School has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the size of the faculty and student body has grown, and the Sustainability Office, outdoor, and service programs have all been expanded. Willard helped lead Chewonki toward board-approved carbon emission reduction goals and an annual carbon emission inventory process. With a lifelong commitment to education, Willard has continued work in the classroom and in the field, teaching Natural History of the Maine Coast and Environmental Issues, two of Chewonki's signature academic courses.

Willard is a graduate of Williams College, where he received his BA in geology. He has a master's degree in botany from the Field Naturalist Program at the University of Vermont. His professional background includes extensive field time as an instructor for both Outward Bound and Alpine Skills International, and later as interim director of the Williams College Outing Club. He also served as a Lecturer at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, where he taught undergraduate courses in wildlife conservation and environmental problem-solving.

The Board was particularly impressed by Willard's dedication to the Chewonki mission, his intellect, his superb leadership qualities, and his passion for education, which made him the unanimous choice of the search committee. We are grateful for the assistance of a renowned firm in conducting a thorough, nationwide search.

As Willard transitions to president, we are pleased that Bill Hinkley will serve as interim head of Chewonki Semester School for the 2010–2011 academic year. Bill has been teaching mathematics at Chewonki for eight years, during which time he has developed a seminar structure to manage the math curriculum needs for an average of 30 sending schools each semester. He has also led the expansion of Chewonki’s community service program. Prior to teaching at Chewonki, Bill taught math at both Gould Academy and Deerfield Academy.

Chewonki will soon begin a search for the next head of Chewonki Semester School. The search will conclude in December, and we look forward to welcoming the new head to our Wiscasset campus in July 2011. We are excited by the opportunities these transitions bring to the strong traditions of Chewonki. Please join me in welcoming Willard and Bill to their new roles leading the Chewonki community.

Best Regards,

Josh Marvil
Chair, Board of Trustees