Getting to Know Rector Sara Stephenson

I've played lots of different roles in different schools, including science teacher; advisor; dean; science department chair; head of middle school; crew, lacrosse, and cheerleading coach; international trip planner; head of school; dorm parent; and enrollment and admission manager, and have loved them all. This has given me a chance to push myself out of my comfort zone and to learn more about more areas of education. I'm not sure I would have been inspired to diversify my roles in any other profession.

Educators are some of my favorite people to be around, and they always will be. I have been fortunate that each school I have been a part of has been a family to me on every level. Many of my closest friends are educators, and five of my boys’ eight godparents are educators or former students. At the root of my deep love of education, though, is connections with students. Being around students and interacting with them is lifeblood to me. I can’t be shut up in my office for too long without student interaction. It's at the heart of every part of my career—interacting with students, hearing their thoughts and dreams, sharing their concerns and worries, lifting them up, showing them care and attention, and, ultimately, coaxing them towards being the best humans they can be. I will never get tired of that work, never stop enjoying it, and never fail to be amazed at how fast the days pass when you are deeply involved in work that is perpetually interesting, fulfilling, and inspiring.

What's it like being a dual citizen?
It took a LONG time to achieve, but becoming a citizen was one of the most defining moments of my life. In 2020, I took the responsibility of becoming a citizen very seriously. I moved to the U.S. on a visa in 1995. Since then, I've only spent three years in Europe; the U.S. has been my home since I was 23. Not having citizenship, especially when we have built our family life here and our two sons are U.S. citizens, was increasingly destabilizing. Having said that, I was keen to retain my U.K. citizenship, too. I did not leave the U.K. until I was nearly 18 years old. All my family are based there, and it's where I spent my entire childhood, school, and college years. While I had become increasingly familiar with U.S. culture, I was deeply rooted in English culture. I did not want to lose that—my connection to England and to my British heritage will always be strong. But, it is a huge honor and privilege to be a U.S. citizen. Being able to vote in a country where I have spent nearly 25 years living and working is a big deal. I take my vote seriously, and value the importance of giving back to my American home and community. I love being able to bridge two worlds and cultures, and to have given my boys the chance to do the same.

What about living on campus are you looking forward to?
Everything! Being able to be with students 24/7 is something I look forward to. Same with faculty and staff. As my school has always been my family, this is like spending more time with your family—it feeds the soul! Opening the doors to the Rectory is something that I can't wait to do. Sharing that space with students and employees will be really fun. Sharing in the moments that are missed in a day school is a huge gift. I also can't wait to have y'all get to know my family. Our dogs, Molly and Stella, are going to love having more than 100 human siblings! I am excited to become fully immersed in serving the School, and to experience all of our traditions and, perhaps, starting some new ones.

What about Chatham Hall and its future excites you the most?
Again, everything! I was profoundly struck by the emotional intelligence of the students when I first visited. Having worked in girls’ schools for many years, I am used to empowered student voices and confident young women who are not afraid to carve their own path. But Chatham Hall takes this to a new, and I believe, groundbreaking level. Understanding how to live well is deeply embedded at Chatham Hall, and I believe that this critical differentiator makes it ready for transcending other girls’ or boarding school experiences, and truly stepping out as a leader in providing students with the most complete portfolio of skills in the widest and most meaningful areas of life.

What's something you want the Chatham Hall community to know about you?
I'm a huge reader! I read every day and am rarely without a book. I collect books about Kings and Queens of England and Europe, as well as the Russian Imperial family. I also collect books on doll houses and miniatures. I'm obsessed with musical theater, although I can't hold a tune! If I could magically acquire one skill it would be to have a great singing voice with perfect pitch.