Mr. Hamilton Chosen toLead Academic Affairs

ALBERT YUK/DEERFIELD SCROLL

When Mr. Hamilton learned that he had been selected as Deerfield Academy’s next Dean of Academic Affairs, his first reaction was “tremendous gratitude.” The appointment followed a comprehensive search process that began with a Thanksgiving application and moved through multiple rounds of interviews with faculty and senior administrators. He noted that the process was intentionally uniform and thorough–a reflection of the importance of the role as Dr. Bruder prepares to step down next year. 

Mr. Hamilton spoke candidly about following Dean of Academic Affairs Anne Bruder and Former Assistant Head of School for Strategy & Planning and Former Dean of Faculty Ivory Hills, referring to them as “immensely tough acts to follow.” Still, he expressed deep appreciation for the mentorship he has received. “My relationship with Dr. Bruder has been the most meaningful of my professional life,” he said, noting that she consistently encouraged him to take a “student’s-eye view of our academic program” and to question assumptions about how learning happens.

Students say that perspective is already visible in his classroom. Anne Kelly ‘27 described him as “very engaging” and said he “cares a lot about the subject he teaches,” adding that he makes “a class like history, especially U.S. history … interesting.” Even when covering topics like economics before lunch “in the middle of winter,” Kelly recalled, “he would start shouting at random points,” making class a “lot of fun” and keeping everyone energized.

Looking ahead, Mr. Hamilton believes independent schools stand at a crossroads. “We’re looking at an especially perilous yet promising moment in the history of secondary education,” he said, citing disruptive technologies, declining literacy, and disaffection with civic life. Yet, he remains optimistic about Deerfield’s future. His goal, he explained, is to “preserve what we’re doing that works really well and also to reimagine what school should look like.”

Drawing on his experience as the History and Social Science Department Chair, Mr. Hamilton emphasized the wisdom and generosity of Deerfield’s faculty. “My colleagues are really motivated by love – by real love,” he said. He hopes that strengthening that spirit of collaboration will define his leadership in the years ahead.