News and Events : News 04-05

Press Release

Northfield Mount Hermon President Announces Retirement

January 26, 2005

NORTHFIELD—On January 24, President Richard W. Mueller announced that he had decided to step down as President of Northfield Mount Hermon School in June 2005. He was head of school from 1998 to 2004 and became president last year.

President Mueller, a 1962 graduate of NMH, said, “After seven years leading Northfield Mount Hermon School, this is a good time to make a change. There is a clear vision for the future based on the bold decision of the board of trustees last year to become a smaller school on one campus and to find good alternative uses for the Northfield campus. We will be an even better school with a unique educational program of the head, hand, and heart that serves students well. I have confidence in the school’s senior team led by Head of School Thomas K. Sturtevant.”

Mueller said, “My wife Claire and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to lead such a wonderful institution through a historic period to a bright future. We will cherish the memories of working with such a talented and dedicated faculty and staff. They and our students are the heart and soul of this very special place.” Mueller said he and his wife have not yet decided on any specific plans after they leave Northfield Mount Hermon.

Chairman of the NMH Board of Trustees William R. Rhodes said he accepts Mueller’s decision with regret. “Richard has led Northfield Mount Hermon through an extraordinary period of change, both through the economic downturn and the strategic planning for the future. His leadership of the school was a key factor in the board’s unanimous, strategic decision on January 17, 2004. There is good momentum and a clear set of plans that will serve the best interests of our students over the long run.”

Rhodes expressed his confidence in Sturtevant, who was hired as associate head of school in 2003 and became head of school in 2004, as well as in the senior leadership team. “Each is an experienced leader who knows the school well and is excited about our plans for the future. I have equal confidence in the leadership and strength of the faculty, staff, and administrators during this time of transition. They deserve special appreciation and thanks for their support of our students and school.”

Rhodes said he looks forward to Mueller’s continued support of NMH both as an alumnus and former head of school.

About President Mueller
President of the School Richard W. Mueller ’62 spent 32 years in the Foreign Service, including an appointment as US consul general to Hong Kong. A speaker of Chinese, Vietnamese, and German, he has lived in Hong Kong, Beijing, Saigon, Australia, Taiwan, and Europe. He served as head of the school at NMH from 1998 to 2004, when the board of trustees appointed him president. Mueller earned an AB from the College of William and Mary.

Contact: Deb Holman, director of communications at (413) 498-3376 or dholman@nmhschool.org
 

Top of Page