NMH Magazine : Winter 2004

Opening Lines by Head of the School, Richard W. Mueller '62

There is nothing like change to set us all wondering about the future, and certainly NMH is in the midst of an exciting major transition. The board of trustees’ decision obviously has complex ramifications, and it has, most understandably, brought waves of questions from alumni and other members of the NMH community. I wish I could definitively answer every question that has been posed to me, but the transition process, so thoroughly researched, charted, and plotted, must still unfold step by careful step.
Many questions, however, I can provide answers to—and I’d like to do so in this column by addressing some of your most frequently asked questions. Let me add that in hearing from alumni, students, faculty, parents, and friends, I’ve been struck most of all by your fierce devotion to the school, your deep engagement in this process, and your shared desire to see NMH flourish and become the best possible school it can be.
Looking to the Future 

What data did the board study?
The board commissioned a series of studies. These included a summer study group of 31 faculty, staff, and administrators who examined the school’s mission and desired educational outcomes; an update of the master facilities plan; an analysis of enrollment patterns and financial aid policies; an alumni survey; a review of the school’s financial plan; and models for various school sizes and configurations.

What will happen to the Northfield campus?
We are acutely aware of the tradition, history, and unique qualities of the Northfield campus. Historic buildings related to founder Dwight L. Moody—including the Birthplace, the Homestead, the Auditorium, and Round Top—will remain part of NMH. We are committed to being good stewards of the Northfield campus and are looking at some very exciting uses for the facilities there. Ideas we would consider include a school for younger students, a transition-year training facility for international students, a continuing education center for alumni and retirees, a residential retirement community for alumni and friends, and a summer school. We will create an advisory planning committee that includes NMH alumni and Northfield town members to help us identify future uses and guide stewardship.

How did the board decide on the Mount Hermon campus?
Both campuses have strong points, and this decision was an extremely difficult one. However, the layout of Mount Hermon is better suited to creating a unified, concentrated community. Its buildings are closer together, which supports academic collaboration and efficiency. Mount Hermon would require tens of millions less dollars in new construction for a school sized at about 600 to 750 students. Northfield’s limited fields and gymnasium space proved to be serious drawbacks, and deferred maintenance costs also favored the Mount Hermon campus.

Is this restructuring happening for financial reasons?
Partially. The school’s resources have been managed carefully, but they haven’t grown to the extent needed to support one of the largest boarding schools in the country. NMH’s endowment is small relative to the size of its student body, the size of its two campuses, the number of buildings that need updating, and financial aid needs. Restructuring will move the school toward the financial balance it requires.

Will the name of the school change?
No. Although we will become a one-campus school, we are still Northfield Mount Hermon.

How will these changes affect current students?
There will be places for all current students as the school moves toward its target enrollment. As the school gets smaller, both current and future students will receive support in a close-knit community.

As a smaller school, will NMH become less diverse?
On the contrary. One of our most important goals is to reduce and eventually eliminate financial aid gapping (that means not meeting a family’s total financial need), making it possible for us to attract the kinds of students who will be good fits for NMH, but who currently can’t afford us.

What are the plans for preparing the Mount Hermon campus?
We are planning a center for the arts, a new dormitory, and an expanded library. Construction could begin as soon as this summer. Other plans include renovating our science and athletic facilities. Of course, fundraising will be key as we move ahead.