Retiring Faculty Feature: Russell and Jackie Weatherspoon (1987)

By ERIN HAN, ADELLE PITTS, and FORREST ZENG

After 37 years of incredible service and commitment, the Academy’s beloved Dean of Students Russell Weatherspoon is retiring at the end of the school year. His wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Weatherspoon, retires alongside him, concluding a brilliant lifetime career in global activism and politics. 

With their departure, R. Weatherspoon and J. Weatherspoon have left an unforgettable mark on thousands of students and faculty. First introduced to the Academy community as an Instructor in Religion in 1987, R. Weatherspoon became Dean of Students in June of 2021. J. Weatherspoon has worked with countless organizations across the globe, including the United States Department of State, various United Nations agencies, and in the New Hampshire House of Representatives as an elected representative.

“Dean Weatherspoon and Mrs. Weatherspoon bring a wonderful combination of joy and wisdom to all they do,” Principal Bill Rawson said. “The perspectives they share based on their years of experience deepen every conversation. Their humor and goodwill lighten every interaction. Time spent with the Weatherspoons is time well spent.” 

On campus, R. Weatherspoon has stood out for his calm, relaxed demeanor, even in times of difficult decisions. “Working alongside him, I’ve learned patience and moderation. I’ve learned how to take things slow and deliberately, calmly and steadily,” highlighted Dean of Health and Wellness Johnny Griffith.

“Dean Weatherspoon always models staying grounded, thinking it through before acting or reacting, and thinking and reflecting at a human level,” agreed Rawson.

As Dean of Students, R. Weatherspoon is especially adept at forming close bonds with the student body. Senior Luca Shakoori, one of his advisees, described, “From a leadership perspective, what makes him so effective is that he likes to spend time with students. He takes his role of Dean of Students to be among the students. That feeling of slight camaraderie helps him lead effectively in more serious moments.”

Part of R. Weatherspoon’s presence on campus is his lovely singing. “He has a really good singing voice,” Shakoori added. “He has a good memory for lyrics, and it’s fascinating how he can tie into any conversation. It’s a skill.”

Students and faculty alike adore R. Weatherspoon’s subtle humor and swag. “He’s willing to have fun,” described advisee and senior Aidan Ting. “During assembly, he’s seen as the ‘cool dean.’ He goes up and sings, and doesn’t take himself super seriously. That’s kind of just a nice presence to have on campus. He’s understanding of different student wishes, which is a good thing for a dean.” 

“Dean Weatherspoon was a rock in Soule Hall’s life while I was there—the ever-wise and ever-present force of humor and stability, yet still one who was graceful in the way he herded us back to the pack when we’d strayed too far,” described alumnus Francis Lee, class of ‘15. 

Dean Griffith recounted a specific memory. “I first really got to know him was when I was the assistant JV Girls Basketball coach, and he was the head coach,” he recalled. “At one point in the middle of the season, we were playing with the girls, and one of the girls hit me (accidentally?) in the face with the basketball and another ran me over (again, accidentally).  The next day, Coach Weatherspoon helped the girls organize a ‘Coach Griffith Appreciation Day.’ One of the items that came out of that was an Exeter t-shirt each girl signed on which they wrote funny sayings. I still have the shirt.”

“He has a funny combination of jokes that are both stupid and normal. He’s always there, and he’s not just a serious individual,” said Shakoori. “He’s there for the highs and the lows, and always makes you laugh in some way.” Dean Weatherspoon’s kindness, grace, and often calm humor, has left an indelible mark on countless Exonians.

Dean Weatherspoon’s wife, J. Weatherspoon, is also retiring alongside him. Her retirement comes after a life dedicated to activism and upholding human rights. Her journey to the tables of the United Nations and the chambers of the New Hampshire House of Representatives first started when she was not much younger than the average freshman at the Academy. J. Weatherspoon told the story of when it “all clicked.”

“I was 14 years old,” she said. “I was working for the Council for a Better East New York as a file clerk, and we were told that we were going to go to City Hall to demonstrate for better wages. So we had a partner, and I’ll never forget her. All of a sudden, during the protest, the Mounted Police started coming after us. I pulled my partner over, we ducked behind a tree.”

“I was just so shocked that the police would come after us, kids, who wanted better wages,” she continued. “It snapped. Ever since then, I’ve been an activist for people, for wages, for women, for people of color.”

At Exeter, J. Weatherspoon has been an adviser to the Democratic “Dem” Club. Dem Club co-head and lower Maya Piluski praised her involvement: “She’s been so instrumental in getting everybody involved, and getting us into events and making things happen. Mrs. Weatherspoon is a very action-based person. She’s very dependable.”

“I’ve helped students in the next generation with the Democratic Club to make sure that they have face-to-face meetings with those who are running for President of the United States, or those who are in public office,” described J. Weatherspoon. “I’ve also wanted to make sure students who want to work on different campaigns have the ability to do that, so I knock on a lot of doors for students to have this access, which is pretty difficult. But we have a reputation as the secret weapon of New Hampshire, the students here. So I am so proud of the students of the Democratic Club over the years for what they have done and what they continue to do in Washington DC.”

Upper and Dem Club co-head Aveen Burney highlighted J. Weatherspoon’s proactive and outgoing mindset. “My first impression was that Mrs. Weatherspoon was a very confident woman who I could look up to, and be inspired by,” Burney described. “And she has taught me a lot of life lessons that I will carry with me. One memorable moment is when I did 5 AM campaign lit runs on Election Day and she brought everyone Dunkin! She is a valuable member of the community because she brings a lot of opportunities to students that they otherwise would not have, and she knows how to lead and get things done and has inspired so many students and adults during her time here, which is also her legacy.”

Both R. Weatherspoon and J. Weatherspoon have been essential parts of the Academy community for decades. Their outstanding commitment to kindness will be remembered for years to come. 

Prep Jacquelyn Kate Lonian said, “Dean Weatherspoon and Mrs. Weatherspoon have been nothing but kind to me during my time at Exeter. Their personality and willingness to connect with the community is something I will always be grateful for. I wish them nothing but happiness for the future!”

“The Weatherspoons will be sorely missed, but their influence and impact will endure for years to come both at Exeter and in the lives of students who have known them,” Rawson said. “I certainly hope to keep in touch with them as much as their likely busy schedules in retirement will allow.”

“Reflecting on my time at Exeter, Dean and Mrs. Weatherspoon were more than just fixtures of the campus; they were the heart of the Exeter community,” said alumna Elizabeth Closmore ‘01. “As they move on to a well-deserved retirement, I am filled with gratitude. Their legacy of kindness, guidance, and open doors profoundly shaped not just my Exeter experience, but that of countless other students The Weatherspoons have been a quintessential part of the Exeter experience for decades - what a run! Thank you, Dean and Mrs. Weatherspoon, for everything. Here’s to a retirement filled with joy, health, and precious family moments. You will always be a cherished part of my journey and I hope to stay in touch.

“Dean and Mrs Weatherspoon: wishing you both a retirement filled with happiness, health and time with your wonderful family,” added alumnus Eddie Caron ‘01. “I treasure the memories of our time together and will never forget Dean Weatherspoon’s patented look when I did or said something stupid. No words were ever needed for you to get me back on the right path!

“Dean Weatherspoon and Mrs. Weatherspoon, your impact is neverending,” alumnus Kelvin Green II ‘17 concluded. “I thank you for all the guidance, support, and empowering love. You have left an indelible mark on me, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Exonians everywhere. Enjoy a well-earned rest.”