Academy Trustee President Kristyn Van Ostern ’96 announced in November that Jennifer Karlen Elliott, the head of student and academic life at Choate Rosemary Hall, would become Exeter’s 17th principal. Bill Rawson ’71 will retire at the end of this academic year after eight years as principal. Elliott will formally succeed him on July 1.
At Choate, she is responsible for nearly all aspects of the student experience across academics, residential life, wellness and community culture.
“When I learned of the opportunity to lead Exeter, I was immediately drawn to the mission, the core values and the community,” she said. “I have long admired and respected Exeter’s commitment to academic excellence, Harkness and non sibi.”
Elliott was chosen after the Principal Search Committee connected with over 400 educational leaders around the world.
“Jenny is a teacher at heart who, from the earliest stages of her career, has been called to leadership roles of increasing responsibility,” Van Ostern said in her announcement. “In Jenny we have found someone who understands the demands of leadership in residential education, finds joy and purpose in working with adolescents and has indicated a strong commitment to upholding the Academy’s mission while leading us into the future. We are excited to welcome her to our community.”
Elliott’s contributions at Choate include leading efforts that examine how tech-nology influences teaching and learning, making progress toward sustainability goals and attending to student well-being through a new advisory system and a redesigned cellphone and social media policy. Each initiative reflects her commitment to student growth, academic excellence, belonging and meaningful change.
“When I learned of the opportunity to lead Exeter, I was immediately drawn to the mission, the core values and the community. I have long admired and respected Exeter’s commitment to academic excellence, Harkness and non sibi.”
“I gravitate to team contexts where our collective impact is deeper for our shared efforts,” Elliott said of her lead-ership style. “I love partnering with col-leagues who push my thinking, inspire me to ask better questions, and find joy in our work. I am a student-centered leader who has deep respect and admiration for the educators who commit themselves to the growth and care of young people.”
Van Ostern said Elliott has a deep “understanding of the rhythms and responsibilities of boarding school life,” adding that she “listens deeply, collaborates naturally, and brings clarity and focus to complex challenges” and “models the curiosity and adaptability that define great educators and leaders.”
Elliott, a 1994 graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree in elementary education from Lesley College. She expects to complete a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University in 2027.
Before joining Choate, Elliott worked for 12 years at Andover, where she held several leadership positions, including seven years as dean of students and five years as assistant head of school for residential life. She also taught U.S. history and coached varsity girls squash.
“I love that Principal Rawson’s leader-ship has invited and celebrated progress,” Elliott said. “Schools are living commu-nities dedicated to the changing needs of our students.
“The dynamism of this present moment will require us to sharpen what is core and lead with courage, integrity and creativity. Optimistic and energetic, I see the challenges of this moment as opportunities for exciting progress.”
