Head of School Dec 8, 2023
With a heavy heart, I write to announce that Assistant Head of School Susan Marrs has announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
After 52 years of invaluable service to Seven Hills, Susan has certainly earned the right to move on to a glorious retirement, but given the rich legacy she leaves behind, it is difficult to imagine this institution without her. Susan began her Seven Hills career in 1971 as an English teacher in the Upper School. From 1986-90, she served as the English department chair. In 1995, she was named Head of Upper School and served in that role until 2002. During her tenure as Head of Upper School, Susan orchestrated the hiring of many of Seven Hill’s most iconic teachers and oversaw the construction of our magnificent Upper School building. After stepping down as Head of Upper School, she was named the director of studies for the Middle and Upper Schools and, in 2006, added the title of Assistant Head of School. In addition to all of these roles, Susan has also served as the director of college counseling for the last 44 years.
This brief summary of Susan’s career can’t begin to convey the profound impact she has had on this institution. In many ways, Susan has been the soul of our school community, exemplifying Seven Hills’ abiding commitment to academic excellence and to kindness and compassion. Legions of the school’s alumni who have known her as a teacher, counselor, adviser, and mentor have spoken movingly about the profound impact Susan has had on their lives. Moreover, as a former Head of Upper School and as director of studies, Susan has overseen the hiring, acculturation, and professional growth of a significant portion of our faculty. By her own example, a life dedicated to nurturing and guiding young people, Susan has set the tone for this entire institution and has helped transmit the unique culture of Seven Hills to three generations of faculty and staff.
On a personal note, I want to express my gratitude for all of the guidance and support Susan has provided to me and to other school leaders during her long tenure. Susan possesses a remarkable blend of wisdom and common sense, and for decades, many of us have turned instinctively to her for wisdom and expertise.
With her customary professionalism, Susan has given me and Head of School-Elect Matt Bolton plenty of lead time to plan for a transition. Last spring, we added Cheryl Dixon, another skilled and experienced counselor, to our college counseling team. Discussions have long been underway about how to allocate many of the other functions that Susan has handled so ably for so long.
On behalf of this entire community, I want to thank Susan for all she has meant to this institution and to wish her a rewarding and well-earned retirement.
Christopher P. Garten
Head of School
Key Dates & Events
Wednesday, Dec. 13 — Board of Trustees Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 15 — Winter Break begins at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16-Monday, Jan. 1 — Winter Break
Tuesday, Jan. 2 — Faculty Professional Development Day. No School.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 — School Resumes
Monday, Jan. 8 — Re-enrollment Contracts Issued
Thursday, Jan. 11 — New Parent Cocktail Social, 5:30-7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No School.
Monday, Jan. 15 — Flexible Tuition Forms Due
Wednesday, Jan. 17 — Board of Trustees Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 22 — Re-enrollment Contracts Expire