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
Erin Zagnoev, Board Vice President, Director Search Committee Co-Chair
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
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  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
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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.