Will Kesler
Battle Ground Academy, one of Middle Tennessee’s oldest independent schools, has named Will Kesler, 39, as its next Head of School, effective July 1, 2014, announced Eddie Lunn ’67, chairman of the school’s board of trustees.
Kesler is joining BGA from Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany, Ga., where he has served as Head of the Middle and Upper School since 2010. Previously, he served in a variety of roles on the faculty of Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tn., for 13 years.
“Throughout his career in independent education, Will has been involved in nearly every aspect of school life,” said Mr. Lunn. “During the search process, he emerged as the clear candidate who has the values and experience to guide us in the next phase of BGA’s growth and development as an excellent independent school.”
A native of Chattanooga, Kesler is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He and his wife, Julie, have three children who will be enrolling in BGA in fall 2014: Bennett, a seventh grader; Ellen, a sixth grader; and Walker, a second grader.
“It is with great pleasure that my family and I join the community of Battle Ground Academy,” said Mr. Kesler. “The premier comprehensive, college-preparatory school in the region, BGA has an unmatched tradition of preparing and equipping students for success in college and in life. I am honored and humbled to help lead BGA through its next chapter of excellence.”
The appointment of Mr. Kesler is the culmination of a process that began in October 2012 when then-BGA Head of School John Griffith announced he was accepting a similar position at the Ranney School in New Jersey. BGA then appointed Randy Tucker as Interim Head of School through the current school year.
“We are blessed to have the continued leadership and guidance of Randy through the 2013-2014 school year,” added Mr. Lunn. “Randy was actually a mentor to Will at GPS and they will work closely together for a seamless transition for our school community.”
Established in 1889, Battle Ground Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory school for grades kindergarten through 12th grade. More information on the school can be found at www.battlegroundacademy.org.