The Caldwell Writing Center at McCallie School will change hands for the first time in its 20-year existence when classes begin next fall. Longtime English teacher and campus presence Chet LeSourd, himself a McCallie graduate from 1972, has been named the Caldwell Chair of Composition and the center's director.
Both the chair and the center were established in 1991 to help focus additional resources and expertise in the area of honing boys' technical and creative writing skills.
"Chet LeSourd has a wealth of experience in guiding and encouraging boys in their writing," said Dr. R. Kirk Walker Jr. '69, McCallie's headmaster. "He has the technical knowledge to advise our students and a strong personal connection with many of them. He is respected by current students, faculty and alumni."
Mr. LeSourd returned to McCallie in 1977 to teach English. He earned a master's in English from the Breadloaf School of Middlebury College. He has served in a number of roles at the school including English Department chairman, advisor to Keo-Kio, the school's senior leadership organization, and head of Maclellan Dormitory for almost 20 years.
"Chet is a true school man who has impacted literally every facet of campus life from the classroom to the athletic fields," said Kenny Sholl, head of the Upper School. "This position offers him a wonderful new challenge and provides us with an accomplished and experienced new director."
Mr. LeSourd will replace Dr. Pamela Childers, the first person to hold the position at McCallie and leader of the school's Writing Across the Curriculum program.