Alex Myers

A jack of all trades, Alex Myers ’96 can be found in a variety of places on campus. Whether it be in the gym coaching JV Girls Ice Hockey, or in the Academy Center advising the Gender Sexuality Alliance and The Exonian, Myers continously provides guidance and support to the people of the community.

Although new to teaching at Exeter this year, Myers is an alumnus of the Academy. After attending for his first three years as “Alice,” Myers  returned to campus the fall of his senior year as a man, becoming the first transgender student to ever attend the Academy. Upon graduating from Phillips Exeter, Myers went on to earn his bachelors degree at Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Similar to most elite level institutions, Harvard has a non-discrimination clause that allows for equal opportunities for all students regardless of religion, race, disability, etc. However, when Myers entered the university in 1996, the clause had yet to include a statement on gender expression and sexuality. He encouraged and worked with the Dean’s Office to draft new policies.

The clause did not change in his time there, but Myers persisted, changing the non-discrimination clause in the Harvard Student Government, Law School Government and in many other student run organizations. The university’s official clause finally changed in 2007, more than ten years after the process first started. “It took a long time, but it’s so simple, so it was very frustrating in that way,” Myers said. “It was confusing too because often times I didn’t understand why other people didn’t get it.”

“He’s one of the most genuinely open-minded people I know, and that’s not a word I throw around lightly.”

During his last year at Harvard, Myers started his novel, Revolutionary, the story of his ancestor Deborah Sampson who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. The book was published in 2014 before he returned to the Academy to begin teaching in 2015.

At Exeter, Myers serves as faculty advisor to the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. “He’s a great resource for trans/gender non-conforming students,” lower Maria Heeter said. He is also available for private conversations. “I go to him with non-GSA problems all the time, and I highly recommend him as a person to talk to,” Heeter added.

Myers has also started his own student support group for those who aren’t cisgendered. In addition to these roles, Myers has been “a great advocate for the new visitations policy and gender neutral dorms,” prep Taylor Robertson said.

Chair of the English Department Ellen Wolff explained the strong presence Myers brings to campus—the determination and devotion he showed in his work at Harvard and with his book can be seen in his Exeter life as well. Wolff described Myers as a “fabulous” colleague who dedicates countless time to insightful teaching in all areas. “He’s passionate about and skilled at all elements of this job; not just in the classroom, but in the dorm and sports too,” Wolff said.

Fellow resident of Webster Hall and instructor of history Alexa Caldwell commended Myers’ willingness to engage in open and honest discussion. She feels as though she learns something from him in every interaction. “I admire how purposeful, precise and intentional he is—with what he does daily, down to the words he uses,” Caldwell said.

Each week in Webster, Myers has puzzles and riddles on his wall for students to solve. Caldwell described the fun activity as “a testament to the brains in Webster, along with the range of skills and intellect Myers has.” Prep Alex Mangiapane explained how the boys huddle around and try to figure out the puzzle when Myers is on duty, while sipping on hot chocolate. Myers’ creative work in Webster is just one of many examples of how he fosters a sense of community on campus.

Indeed, whether it be through conversations about politics, suggestions on class schedules, or just life in general, Myers stays engaged with his advisees, according to Mangiapane. “He really cares about each and every one of his advisees, and that makes him a really cool person in my mind.” Lower Kianan Wendell described Myers as “a very active member of the dorm community.” Each week, in addition to the nights he is on duty, Myers hosts open office hours where he helps the boys edit their essays or is available just to talk.

Myers’ willigness to provide support and help whenever possible does not go unnoticed in the community and his dorm. Upper Jon Wilcox also commented on his appreciation for Myers’ consistent availability to the boys in the dorm. “I’ve been to his room a couple of times for help with English, and I really enjoyed that,” said Wilcox. 

Although proctor and senior Chris Vazan is sad that their time together only overlaps by one year, he is glad that he had the opportunity to meet Myers in the first place. “He’s one of the most genuinely open-minded people I know, and that’s not a word I throw around lightly,” Vazan said.