Jeffrey Burroughs Named Headmaster of Lincoln Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy’s Assistant Headmaster for Academics Jeffrey Burroughs has been named Headmaster at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine. His tenure will begin July 1, 2019.
Lincoln Academy Interim Head of School Nancy Starmer announced Jeff’s appointment on Thursday, November 1 by reading a statement from Lincoln Board Chair Judi Hilton ’91: “With his deep appreciation for the town academy model, a leadership style that can be described as collaborative and approachable, and his emphasis on the importance of building relationships within the school and with the communities we serve, Jeff promises to both appreciate Lincoln Academy’s proud past and lead the school in moving forward together. We are honored and excited that he will be joining us.”
Jeff Burroughs said, “I am thrilled and deeply honored to be selected to lead Lincoln Academy as its next Head of School. I was so impressed with the students, teachers, staff and community members that I met in the search process and am excited to help lead LA into the next chapter of its history. I believe deeply in the power and purpose of the town academy educational model, and I look forward to bringing my professional experience to serve this great school and community.”
Jeff was chosen from a large pool of candidates in a search that began in the spring of 2018. Lincoln Board Chair Judi Hilton said, “The process was challenging because we had many qualified candidates who could have done the job well, but Jeff is the right person at the right time for Lincoln Academy.”
She continued, “By hiring Jeff more than six months before he takes the reigns we hope to ensure the smoothest possible leadership transition. He will have a chance to work with Nancy, the Board, and members of the faculty during visits to campus this winter and spring. All of us who got to know Jeff through the search process have every confidence in his ability to lead Lincoln Academy in the coming years.”
During his time at St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeff has been an integral member of the school and town communities. Headmaster Tom Lovett said, “For almost a decade, Jeff has provided leadership for our academic program, and I have known of his interest in becoming a headmaster for some time. Jeff brought an engineering background to our school that has helped boost our STEM programs, and he oversaw a significant transition in the science curriculum; he was also instrumental in helping establish the George N. Sweeney Applied Engineering Center. Additionally, his collaborative style has made him a valued member of the Administrative Team. He has been immersed in all areas of Academy life—coaching girls’ soccer, advising, organizing academic support, and chaperoning international trips. As part of our community, he and his wife Melissa have formed many strong relationships and have served a number of local organizations. I consider them both good friends. It will be difficult to lose them from our Academy and the NEK community, but it will be Lincoln Academy’s gain. I am grateful for what the Burroughs family has brought to St. Johnsbury, and I wish them all success and happiness at Lincoln.”
