Weatherspoon to Serve as Director of Exeter Summer
After a two-month selection process, Religion Instructor Russell Weatherspoon is set to serve as the new Director of Exeter Summer, replacing Elena Gosalvez-Blanco.
Upon Gosalvez-Blanco’s departure for a new position at Yale Young Global Scholars at Yale University, a selection committee worked to find an internal replacement. Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff headed the committee, with support from Assistant Principal Karen Lassey and Dean of Enrollment and External Relations William Leahy. “Our search focused on finding an experienced leader and educator who would be able to step into this role with confidence, courage and curiosity,” Leahy said. “We, of course, are extremely excited with the appointment of Mr. Weatherspoon, who brings a wealth of experience to this role.”
Prior to his appointment, Weatherspoon served for 30 years in a host of roles for Exeter Summer. Starting in the English Department, Weatherspoon has taught in the Humanities Department and served as the Campus Minister. “I have a sense of the development of the Summer School through all of these decades,” he said.
Despite his experience, Weatherspoon did not expect this transition. “I was nominated, and the [Search Committee] contacted me. They acknowledged that serving in this role was certainly not in my mind,” he said. “I got into a series of conversations about the program, about what was needed, and agreed to be considered.” Ultimately, Weatherspoon was convinced to take on the job due to the small student body, which he felt would offer a more intimate community.
In the transition period, Weatherspoon plans to soak up as much as he can. “This office has a staff of people who prepare for each summer as it’s coming … They’re a year-round staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to simply learning from them and from others so that I can help Exeter Summer be a smooth-running, widely-enjoyed and profitable experience.”
While he is eager to begin his tenure, Weatherspoon is disappointed that he will not be able to return to the classroom. “One of my initial questions was whether or not I would have enough time to teach one course. Like the rest of my colleagues, I was drawn to this school for the teaching,” he said. “When I found out that [the appointment] would preclude my being able to be in the classroom, that was a real challenge … But there are things that need to be done to help create the experience of Exeter Summer. I realized I needed to take that on.”
Though he does not have a “grand scheme,” Weatherspoon plans to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. “Our program has sought to have a very diverse student body—not just nationally, but also internationally. This provides a lot of opportunity for people to be exposed to things that they might not have been able to be exposed to,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to learn about other people’s cultures, languages, religions, foods, turns of phrase and expression, politics and notions about sexuality.”
To many Exonians who attended Exeter Summer, Weatherspoon’s promotion is a welcomed one. Upper Yasemin Kopmaz recalls the summer days of Harkness discussion with fondness. “He was my favorite teacher [at Exeter Summer],” she said. “You could ask anyone in the summer program, and even if they didn’t take his courses, they would know him.”