Bill Philip Becomes New Headmaster

William V.N. Philip P’06,’09, who has had a long and distinguished career serving in senior leadership capacities at Westminster School, became the school’s eighth headmaster July 1. He assumed the position following the retirement of former headmaster Graham Cole.

A graduate of Hotchkiss School, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Yale University and completed a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Wesleyan University. While a member of Jonathan Edwards College at Yale, he was a leader of student activities organizations and a freshman advisor. He received the Edgar J. Boell Prize for building cohesion among and promoting the growth of Jonathan Edwards’ students.

During his 27-year tenure at Westminster, Bill has served in a variety of teaching, administrative and coaching responsibilities, including Associate Headmaster for eight years and Assistant Headmaster for three years. He also taught history for 25 years, and served as Director of Studies, Director of College Counseling and Senior Development Director.

And at the core of a boarding school experience, he has been a corridor and dormitory supervisor, a coach of swimming, baseball and lacrosse, and a sought-after advisor. He received the O’Brien Award in 1998 and was named an honorary member of the Class of 2006.

Bill and his wife, Jenny, who is a graduate of Miss Porter’s School and Yale University, will live in Pratt House. Jenny serves as Alumni Coordinator at Renbrook School and coaches field hockey at Westminster.

Their two daughters, Kate ’06 and Alie ’09, grew up on Westminster’s campus, discovered their passion for art history as Westminster students and enjoyed considerable success on various Westminster athletic teams, before matriculating to Yale University and Bates College, respectively.