Matt Walter, Head of School

The abbatial election was not the only leadership decision at Portsmouth to have recently been undertaken. The Board of Regents of the School, which includes four of our monks, has been busily undertaking an extensive search for a new Head of School. In an announcement this week to many of the School’s constituents, Abbot Michael, together with Board Chair Chris Behnke, announced, “In September, we embarked on a national search for candidates to fill the position of Head of School. Our search has now concluded, and it has led us home. We are delighted to announce that Matt Walter will become the next Head of School for Portsmouth Abbey.” Having previously been serving as Director of Advancement, Mr. Walter was named the School’s “Acting Head” last spring, and Abbot Michael noted that he “has excelled at this role.” Still, the search for the new Head had been extensive and demanding: “The Head of School position was advertised extensively and resulted in a comprehensive slate of highly qualified applicants. After much vetting, interviewing, prayer and reflection, we are confident in our selection and in the future leader of our school.”

 

 

Fr. Edward Mazuski, Abbot Michael Brunner, Daniel McQuillan (Asst. Director of Spiritual Life)
and Chris Fisher (Executive Director, Portsmouth Institute), toasting the new Head of School

 

 

Dr. Timothy Flanigan in discussion with Abbot Matthew Stark at the Feb.14 toasting event

Matt notes that he has been profoundly shaped by his own Benedictine education, having grown up at and attended Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas, the son of a long term faculty member. Brother Sixtus Roslevich remarked, “This Search Committee has learned a great deal about Matt over the past months, about his many strengths and his forward-looking vision as we inch closer to the 100^th anniversary of Portsmouth Abbey School.  Matt’s educational background, professional experience and capacity to build a community characterized by friendship and joy make him the perfect fit for Portsmouth Abbey.” It is worth reiterating Abbot Michael’s concluding comments in the announcement of Matt’s appointment: “Please join us in prayer for Matt, his family, and our entire school community at this milestone moment.”