University Liggett School welcomes Thomas W. Sheppard as new Head of School

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Thomas W. Sheppard as the new Head of School, as he officially assumes his role on campus. With his exceptional leadership skills and extensive expertise in education, Sheppard is poised to guide University Liggett School into a new era of academic experiences for its students.

“I am thrilled to be on campus and fully immersed in the community,” said Sheppard “I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of the individuals who make University Liggett School exceptional, and I look forward to working in partnership with faculty, staff and families to build on our strengths and continue the remarkable teaching and learning for which ULS is known.”

Sheppard brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of education. He has more than 30 years experience at independent schools. His career began in 1991 teaching and coaching at Perkiomen School in Pennsylvania. After Perkiomen, Sheppard spent 22 years in lead admissions and enrollment roles at Trinity-Pawling School in New York, Stevenson School in California, and The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey.

Sheppard assumed his first headship in 2018 at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson, Mississippi, an infant to grade 12 day school of 1050 students While Head of School at St. Andrew’s, Sheppard led a community-wide strategic planning process and oversaw a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to support educational innovations, including investment in technology opportunities and early education. Most recently, Sheppard served for two years as Interim Head of School at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, a K-12 day school of 865 students. During his time at Chadwick, Sheppard led a comprehensive visioning and strategic planning process, raised $2 million for the redevelopment of indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and hired or promoted seven senior administrators to rebuild the administrative leadership.

University Liggett School has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, and under Sheppard's guidance, the school is poised to further enhance its position as a leader in providing outstanding educational opportunities. With a focus on cultivating a vibrant future of learning, growth, and academic achievement, Sheppard aims to empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential.

"We are thrilled to welcome Thomas W. Sheppard to campus as the new Head of School at University Liggett School," said David Nicholson, President of the Board of Trustees. "His passion for education and commitment to academic excellence align perfectly with our school's mission. We look forward to the transformative experiences he will create for our students and the innovative ideas he will bring to our community."

Sheppard's arrival heralds an exciting new chapter for University Liggett School. Together with the dedicated faculty and staff, he will work collaboratively to provide an exceptional educational experience that prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning, Sheppard aims to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

Sheppard and his wife, Jennifer, have a son, Zachary, attending Davidson College and a daughter, Olivia, who will attend Colgate University in the fall.