About NMH The Future

Letter from Richard Mueller

To members of the NMH community–

We've received many messages since our January 17 communication regarding the board of trustees' decisions about new directions for NMH.  I especially thank the more than 600 individuals who took the time to write. As you might imagine, sentiments run the gamut from sadness and loss to hope, excitement, and many words of congratulations and support.

My goal has been to read every message.  I’d like to share two thoughts with you.

First, I'm excited for NMH and our future. The board has set clear goals that we are already beginning to build toward.  At the same time, I too feel the emotional pull that comes with the decisions.  I do not take lightly the sense of loss many of you have described.  Please know we will find all appropriate ways to honor this special place and to celebrate its traditions and history. Our work, with your help, will be to ensure that the Northfield spirit is carried across the river to Mount Hermon, where it will flourish for future generations.  Both pre-merger and post-merger classes have their very special perspectives on what the Northfield campus means to them. 

Second, let me respond to the most frequently asked question: " What will happen to the Northfield campus?"  It’s important that you know the Board of Trustees has been extremely sensitive to this question and said the following:

The Board recognizes its special responsibility for the Northfield campus.  It intends that the Moody legacy buildings will remain a part of Northfield Mount Hermon and that the entire campus be used in a way that continues to fulfill our institutional mission.

As I transition into the role of President in the coming weeks, one of my important responsibilities will be to honor our historical legacy and to find good educational or other uses for the Northfield campus. We will be setting up an advisory committee of alumni and alumnae, Northfield town residents, and others that will help us explore uses compatible with our mission.  We will work closely with the town of Northfield. 

Contrary to what you may have heard, we have not put our campus up for sale, advertised, or reached any agreement with anyone.  Some schools in recent days have expressed interest in leasing facilities and others have suggested retirement housing.  There are many ideas out there.  They will be considered carefully and over a period of time.  Our efforts will be directed to honoring important legacies and ensuring we can still visit Round Top and Sage Chapel, use the Auditorium for Sacred Concert, and walk the grounds. 

We very much want to respond to each of your messages.  Please understand that it may take some time. Within the next few days, you'll receive a brochure in your mailbox entitled "On the Threshold of the New."  It should help you understand more fully what brought the school to this historic moment.  It also addresses questions relating to the Northfield campus. 

Please be assured that we are committed to our students and the enduring mission of NMH and the Head, the Hand, and the Heart. We’re able to answer more questions daily, but others will remain to be addressed.  I will communicate as soon as possible at every step of the way.  Please continue to ask your questions, lend your trust, and believe in the future of this wonderful school.

Information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions will continue to be posted on the website regularly. 

Richard W. Mueller '62, Head of the School

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