Webb Names New Head of School

The Webb School Board of Trustees in Bedford County has named Ken Cheeseman as the new head of school following a national search this fall. Cheeseman brings extensive experience and expertise with education in independent day and boarding schools, strategic planning, policy setting, admissions and fundraising. He has also served on state and regional independent school associations. He will officially join Webb in July 2020 and succeed Ray Broadhead, who has served as head of school since 2010.
“I’m delighted on behalf of the board to welcome Ken. He distinguished himself immediately with his experience and his vision. I and my colleagues look forward to a great partnership. Our school is in a strong position, and we look forward to building on a firm foundation,” said Vance Berry, The Webb School Board of Trustees chair and alumnus. Berry noted that Cheeseman’s passion for education, experience and his significant leadership qualities, are enhanced by his idea that “two key elements in effectively leading a school are serving the teachers and staff in ways that maximize their talents and creating powerful and effective ways for partnership between parents, teachers, administration, alumni and friends of the school.”
Head of School Search Committee Chair Farrar Vaughan added, “Watching this process unfold has been a very affirming experience for the school and for me personally as an alumna. Ken’s background fits with our goals to have Webb be successful in every aspect of the educational experience.”
“I am humbled and so grateful to have been chosen to lead and collaborate with such an esteemed faculty, leadership team, and Board of Trustees,” said Cheeseman. “Building upon the 150 years of timeless and enduring values that define The Webb School, I am energized by the good work ahead to connect the timeless with the timely, research-based pedagogy that will equip our Webb graduates to lead their generation.
“During my interview, I was so impressed with each constituent group — students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, leadership, and the board — and with each meeting, I was more and more convinced that the Webb community and culture was an exceptional match for me, Cathy, and Abby Faith.”
He added, “The Webb School, inclusive of its mission, people and resources, provides a strong foundation to be able to dream about what is possible and then pursue that vision for the betterment of generations of Webb graduates.
“I am excited to get to know the Webb School community, not only in Middle Tennessee, but the alumni and past parents around the globe. I am particularly interested to hear the alumni stories of how Webb shaped its graduates to be who they are today.”
Cheeseman is a graduate of University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics and he received a Master of Education in Curriculum Leadership from Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. He is currently serving as head of school of Fort Worth Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he works closely with the Board of Trust to fund and forward the mission and set policy for the 61-year-old college-preparatory school serving 650 preschool-through-12th grade students. Prior to that, he was Head of School at St. Paul Christian Academy in Nashville, Tenn., for 16 years and partnered with the Board of Trust to raise more than $10 million in physical plant enhancements and assisted with strategic planning, policy setting, and fundraising for the 4-year-old through 6th grade, pre-college preparatory day school. Earlier in his career, he was Academic Dean at Brentwood Academy in Nashville, Tenn., and served in various leadership roles at day and boarding schools including TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, Texas, McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Woodberry Forest School, Orange, Va.
Ken and Cathy Cheeseman have four children, Allison 24, Claire 21, Carter 18 and Abby Faith 12. Cathy is a former middle school teacher and has coached cross country and track at the middle school and high school levels continuously since 1989. Her teams have won numerous state titles and national rankings, and she has been named Coach of the Year in Division II in Tennessee multiple times over the last 20 years and four other times was named Tennessee Girls’ Coach of the Year by USA Track and Field for all divisions, public and private, in Tennessee.
For more information about the newly named Head of School, visit: www.thewebbschool.com.