MacFarlane Plans for Tenure as Principal

After the announcement of Principal Tom Hassan’s retirement in July and a globe-wide search for his replacement, Dr. Lisa MacFarlane was selected in February as the final and most qualified candidate. She will begin her role as principal Sept. 1, 2015

For the past few months, Exeter has organized receptions worldwide to bid Hassan farewell and welcome MacFarlane as she is ushered into her new leadership position. These events welcomed past, current and future students as well as parents, and since Hassan’s retirement, alumni and current students together have celebrated Hassan’s legacy. MacFarlane’s parents, Neil and Ora MacFarlane, attended the reception held in Los Angeles.

“She stood out among a very talented and experienced group of candidates… because she deeply understands and cherishes Exeter; she exhibited a creative yet realistic view of the changes Exeter may make as its world changes; she is exceptionally poised and confident, yet absolutely warm and approachable.”

Her mother, Ora, recalled a humorous moment when Dr. MacFarlane received the news. “When her children found out that Lisa was the new principal, they purchased Exeter gear for her and said, ‘Congratulations, you’ve finally been admitted to Exeter!’”

John Palfrey, principal of Phillips Academy Andover, sent an email congratulating MacFarlane. He also recognized the amusing situation between the two — Palfrey being a graduate of Exeter and MacFarlane being a graduate of Andover. “Lisa is supportive of both Exeter and Andover. Although there is a rivalry between the schools, they are very much alike,” he said.

The family is looking forward to MacFarlane’s coming years serving the Academy. “She’s preparing for the transition, and I’m very proud of her,” Ora MacFarlane said.

Many students are optimistic about the upcoming year of change across campus. Lower Christine Hu viewed the change as another opportunity to address many important and relevant social issues, like race, sexual abuse and gender.

“I really hope that with the new principal, some of the old policies that the majority of students are unhappy with will see more discussion and reform,” she said. While not expectant of radical change, at least immediately, she said that pushing for reform sooner rather than later would win her more respect among students.

Others were excited that the chosen candidate was a female. Of the past 14 principals at the Academy, 13 have been male. Prep Alyssa Kuwana said that because of her gender, Dr. MacFarlane will have “new perspectives” to offer.

MacFarlane informed the PEA community that her ex-husband, currently a resident in Exeter, had been jailed for inappropriate sexual conduct around a minor. However, most search committee members and believe that her qualifications rendered her husband’s actions irrelevant to her candidacy, and would not impact her ability to lead Exeter in the coming years.

Overall, the mood surrounding her selection has been overwhelmingly positive. The search committee and trustees said that while the candidate pool was impressive, the final decision was made enthusiastically and nearly unanimously. Nearly all who have had the opportunity to spend time with Dr. MacFarlane said that they were impressed by her work and personality.

“She stood out among a very talented and experienced group of candidates… because she deeply understands and cherishes Exeter; she exhibited a creative yet realistic view of the changes Exeter may make as its world changes; she is exceptionally poised and confident, yet absolutely warm and approachable,” outgoing President of the Trustees Tom Hutton said.

Hassan wholeheartedly agreed, reporting a smooth process with an ideal result. He explained that from knowing MacFarlane during her time affiliated with Exeter in the past, “I am certain that she’s going to be a perfect fit.” He also was reassuring that he will work with her in upcoming months to ensure the smoothest transition possible.

Beth Kilinc, administrative director for Education Abroad at the UNH Center for International Education, who has previously worked with Dr. MacFarlane on projects, said that she is “exceptionally insightful, thoughtful, engaging, caring and a visionary, strategic thinker.”

Kilinc also said that during her time at UNH, MacFarlane has had a “deep impact” across the campus in her many roles ranging from teaching, researching, and working administratively.

When asked about the reaction at UNH to MacFarlanes announcement of departure, she explained that while there was “sadness that she will no longer be a leader at UNH,” most were “thrilled for her personally because we know how committed she is to [Exeter].”

History Department chair Bill Jordan, who knows MacFarlane from his experience as a grad student at UNH in the 90s, described her as “down-to-earth and approachable, yet also an accomplished scholar,” which he named a unique combination.

“It will be great to have someone at the helm who is an intellectual, who is comfortable exploring and discussing  new ideas, but who is also a people person,” Jordan said. He added that he trusts her background, which he hope will enable her to be comfortable with debate and occasional necessary disagreement.

Since the announcement and closing of the principal search process, all reports have been positive. However, those who have not had a chance to meet or spend time with her remained somewhat unsure.

Upper Chris Lee said that while he was optimistic and trusted the process, “I don't think we’ve had enough time or information to fairly judge Dr. MacFarlane yet.”

Students that have had more time with her formulated more concrete opinions, all of which were positive.

Upper Cesar Zamudio, who toured MacFarlane on one of her visits to campus soon after she was hired, said that she seemed eager and enthused throughout the visit, and he left feeling confident of her capabilities.

Community members, in general, are excited to get to know MacFarlane and see how she performs upon her official arrival in the fall. Many felt unable to yet formulate an opinion, but were pleased with all that they’d heard so far.

Kuwana said that while she remained uncertain about “how the transition of principals will go, since she has had prior leadership experiences… she’ll be a great addition.”