News
May 3, 2019Doane Stuart Appoints New Head of School
The Doane Stuart School Board of Trustees announced that following a national and international search, Mr. Cecil F. Stodghill, Jr. has been selected as Head of School, to begin July 1, 2019. Mr. Stodghill brings to Doane Stuart vast experience in independent schools, including a proven record of enrollment growth and diversity in one of the nation’s most competitive markets.
Mr. Stodghill will leave his current position as Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC to assume the headship. Sharon M. Duker, a finance executive, educator, and Capital Region civic leader, has served as Interim Head of School since August 2018, and is expected to return to her former trustee position on the Doane Stuart Board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cecil Stodghill to the Doane Stuart family. His vast experience in independent schools, proven leadership ability, alignment with our culture and values, and infectious enthusiasm make him exactly the right person to lead Doane Stuart at this point in our history,” said Ginna M. Roeding, Ph.D., President of the Board.
Upon accepting his new post, Cecil remarked, “I am humbled, flattered, and excited to serve the Doane Stuart community as the new Head of School. I am enthused by the opportunity to lead an outstanding faculty and administration, with the full support of the Board of Trustees, as we approach the next iteration of Doane Stuart’s successful impact upon the Capital Region. Let’s Go Thunderchickens!!!!”
Mr. Stodghill holds a master’s degree in school leadership from the University of Tennessee, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration (marketing concentration) from the University of Miami. He has spent nearly 20 years working in administrative leadership positions – particularly in the area of admissions – at both day and boarding schools that serve students in grades K through 12.
While at Providence Day, a co-ed school of more than 1600 students, Mr. Stodghill facilitated the procurement of more than 750 applications with 230 new student enrollments per year, and managed the allocation of more than $4M annually. Over his tenure, enrollment increased by 11%, and included a significant increase in students of color, with representation of students from 71 countries – all in a highly competitive independent school market.
Mr. Stodghill previously served as Director of Graduate Support at Academy Prep Foundation in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was the chief administrator in charge of high school placement of 8th grade students. His efforts were critical in helping at-risk students succeed in high school and achieve record graduation rates.
Doane Stuart’s newest Head began his career at independent schools in Florida and Tennessee, where he worked in Assistant and Associate Director of Admissions positions. Mr. Stodghill also has experience as a middle and upper school instructor, and varsity track and basketball coach.
In addition to his work experience, Mr. Stodghill serves in volunteer leadership roles as the Chair of both the consortium of Charlotte Area Independent Schools, and the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Charlotte. He is on the boards of Discovery Place Inc., the Admission Leadership Council, and Wings for Kids.
