SJA Welcomes New Dean of Academics and Dean of Students
Dean of Academics
St. Johnsbury Academy is proud to announce that Dr. Elia Desjardins, who has served as Chair of the Science and STEM Departments since 2012, began her tenure as Dean of Academics on July 1, 2026.
When articulating why she pursued this role, Dr. Desjardins shared, “Some of the work I have found most interesting and meaningful as department chair is collaborating with colleagues from across the school to improve student learning.” She went on to offer, “Whether thinking about our systems for student support, exploring the implications of new technologies on teaching and learning, or implementing the latest research about effective teaching practices across academic disciplines, this position offers me the opportunity to continue contributing to academic culture here at SJA at the level of individual students and teachers and also by seeing the big picture.”
As Chair of the Science and STEM Departments, Dr. Desjardins led efforts to give students authentic opportunities to apply scientific thinking to contemporary questions in engineering, sustainability, and biomedical research. Under her leadership, the department aligned its curriculum with national science standards and reinvigorated key learning spaces, including the STEM Lab, the Sweeney Applied Engineering Center, the campus greenhouse, and the Independent Science Research lab.
Dr. Desjardins says the guiding goal for the Dean of Academics role is to help students see the relevance of what they’re learning to their lives now and in the future and to ensure they feel supported, respected, and valued along the way. “I’m proud of how hard Academy faculty work to shape experiences and relationships in these ways,” Dr. Desjardins said, “and my overarching goal is to keep making it easier for the whole community to connect with what matters most.”
Outside of her work at St. Johnsbury Academy, Dr. Desjardins enjoys making music, gardening, playing games, and spending time with her spouse and two children, who will join the Academy community in the classes of 2031 and 2033.
Dean of Students
St. Johnsbury Academy is pleased to welcome Tyler Wilkins, who most recently served as Associate Head of Upper School at McLean School in Potomac, Maryland, as the new Dean of Students.
As Dean of Students, Mr. Wilkins will work closely with students, families, and colleagues across the school, building on a career-long focus on relationship-building, collaborative support systems, and community. When asked about aspects of the role that he is particularly passionate about, Mr. Wilkins shared, “I thrive on building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues and helping create the conditions where students can grow. Mistakes are part of being human, and I believe some of the most meaningful learning happens in how we respond to them. It is a privilege to walk alongside students as they develop into thoughtful, resilient young adults.”
At McLean School, Mr. Wilkins refined the school’s Student Support Team and developed its “360 Meeting” process, creating a more collaborative framework for faculty, counselors, and administrators to coordinate student and family support. He also helped strengthen a collaborative culture among faculty and staff by leading cross-divisional initiatives, facilitating professional learning, and developing systems that encouraged shared leadership and strong communication. Mr. Wilkins also played a key role in establishing and supporting several of McLean School’s first affinity spaces, expanding opportunities for students to find community, engage in meaningful dialogue, and experience greater belonging.
Mr. Wilkins said the decision to join SJA was rooted in shared values. “The prioritization of building character, encouraging curiosity, not certainty, and the emphasis on building a strong community are values that I try to exemplify in my daily life,” Mr. Wilkins said. “Finding a school with the same values was an absolute revelation. The kindness and welcoming nature of every single person I met on campus, and seeing those values come to life when I visited, clinched the deal for me.”
Outside of his work at St. Johnsbury Academy, Mr. Wilkins is an award-winning film score composer and professional bassist. Under the pen name TJ Wilkins, he has composed original scores for more than 30 independent films and numerous commercial projects. Mr. Wilkins notes that the same values that guide that work – listening, collaboration, and supporting the larger group – carry directly into school leadership.
Mr. Wilkins joins the SJA community with his wife, Kit, daughter Molly, and their dog, Daisy. A graduate of undergraduate and graduate programs in the Philadelphia area, Mr. Wilkins is an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
