Semifinalists interviewed as search progresses
We are pleased with the progress we are making and recognize that the exceptional pool of candidates is a testament to USN’s outstanding reputation, the attractiveness of our community, the strength of our school, and our significant forward momentum.
Dear PDS/USN community,
We hope your summer has provided some occasions for refreshment as we gear up for launching our fall semester.
Our search for a new Director has been heavily informed by PDS/USN community input, including over 600 responses to the community survey in the spring and robust participation in the April campus visits of our consultants at Carney, Sandoe & Associates. We are pleased with the progress we are making and recognize that the exceptional pool of candidates is a testament to USN’s outstanding reputation, the attractiveness of our community, the strength of our school, and our significant forward momentum.
Over the past few months, Carney, Sandoe & Associates has engaged with roughly 175 individuals about the opportunity to serve as our permanent Director. Having reviewed a carefully curated subset of this large pool, which includes a diverse group of sitting heads of school and senior leaders in excellent independent schools across the country, our Director Search Committee has invited a select group of candidates for confidential, in-person interviews with the Search Committee later this month. We are excited to get to know these candidates more deeply, to share with them the special qualities and attributes of our school and the PDS/USN community, and to introduce them to Nashville as their potential new home. Candidate names will not be shared in advance or following these semifinalist interviews, as is common nationally at independent schools with hiring practices at this administrative level.
In September, we aim to host the finalists at our Edgehill Campus, where we anticipate candidates will spend time on campus, engaging with faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents, and trustees.
We remain optimistic that the Board of Trustees will name the next Director by mid-fall, allowing for a robust transition period in close partnership with Interim Director Juliet Douglas and the Board.
Look for an additional update in the weeks ahead as we move towards the finalist phase of the search process. Thank you for your participation, and please send questions to us at directorsearch@usn.org.
Sincerely,
Naima Walker Fierce, Trustee, Director Search Committee Co-Chair
Naima Walker Fierce, Trustee, Director Search Committee Co-Chair
Erin Zagnoev, Board Vice President, Director Search Committee Co-Chair
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.