I am pleased to announce that Jennifer TumSuden has been appointed as the Dean of Students for the Merle-Smith Campus. With a wealth of experience in teaching, advising, and development, Jennifer brings a diverse set of skills and a passion for fostering community and student growth.

Jennifer has an extensive background in education, having served as a faculty member at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA, for the past 12 years. During her tenure, she held various roles, including Interim Director of Community Programs, Class Dean, Humanities Faculty, Student Advisor, and Dorm Head. In these positions, Jennifer demonstrated her commitment to student well-being and personal development, implementing anti-racist policies in advisory curriculum and assembly programming, designing a new social-emotional learning and sexual education curriculum, and fostering a strong sense of community through targeted events and activities. Before joining Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Jennifer worked at Harvard University in various development roles. 

Jennifer's educational background includes a Master of Liberal Arts in History of Art and Architecture from Harvard University, where she received the Dean's Award for Academic Achievement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, magna cum laude, from Fairfield University. 

From Jennifer:

Fairness, equity, and inclusivity have always been important to me. I believe the most crucial thing a school can provide is not rooted in facts or figures, but instead a feeling. To feel heard and to feel known is an extraordinary gift. When students know that they can be their authentic selves and that their interests, concerns, and ideas matter, they are motivated to succeed and they thrive.

High school can be a complicated space to navigate. Whether mediating student conflicts or explaining the "why" behind school policies, I enjoy engaging young people in self-reflection and promoting understanding. Being in an independent school community is special and offers so many opportunities. I strive to cultivate a school culture that enables all students to get the most from their Moravian experience. I look forward to building authentic relationships and partnerships with students, faculty, and families next year, and am excited to move to the Lehigh Valley with my family in July.

We look forward to welcoming Jennifer to the Merle-Smith Campus on July 1, 2023. Her extensive experience in education as a trusted advisor, a fair disciplinarian, and a community leader make her an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that Jennifer will contribute greatly to the growth and success of our students and the overall community at Moravian Academy.