March 1, 2021

Announcement from the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Dear Notre Dame Community,

 

I am very pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss as the next Head of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur effective July 1, 2021.

 

Dr. Hotchkiss currently serves as the Associate Head of Academics at Marlborough School in Los Angeles, California, a nationally recognized, all-girls' school. Having spent her entire career at Marlborough, Dr. Hotchkiss has been part of the school's senior leadership team for the past 20 years. In this role, she has helped to guide the school through strategic planning, leadership transition, the development of financial, operational, and academic plans, as well as fundraising efforts. As a champion of girls' education, she has served on the boards of One Schoolhouse and the National Coalition of Girls' Schools.

 

Dr. Hotchkiss received her B.S., M.Ed., and Doctorate in Education from UCLA. Dr. Hotchkiss and her husband, Dwight, have two children, one of whom graduated from Villanova University. Dr. Hotchkiss commented, "I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as Head of School at the Academy of Notre Dame and my sincere thanks to Dr. Dwyer, the Board, the Search Committee, and the many members of the Notre Dame family that I had the chance to speak with as part of the interview process. I look forward to starting my new role over the summer and getting to know all the incredible young women of Notre Dame." (Read Dr. Hotchkiss's letter below.)

 

When we embarked on this process, the Search Committee embraced our community and partnered with our consultants at Diversified Search to conduct a nationwide search for our next Head of School. The Committee solicited feedback from all constituents through surveys and group discussion that helped us to develop the desired qualifications and experiences we sought in our next leader. The Board is confident that we have secured this leader in Dr. Laura Hotchkiss.

 

Based on the feedback that we received during the evaluation process, it was clear that the community saw that Dr. Hotchkiss not only brings a very accomplished resume but the heart, mind, spirit, and faith to lead our community into the future:

 

"Dr. Hotchkiss recognizes the skills necessary for women to thrive, not just as students of Notre Dame, but as women in a global community."

 

"Dr. Hotchkiss was quite impressive, and appears to have the intellect, educational experience, skills, and temperament to lead Notre Dame."

 

"Dr. Hotchkiss seems to be a person I want in my daughter's life ... she seems unwavering in her commitment to the individual and student-centered on all aspects of her philosophy."

 

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Search Committee members as well as the dedicated members of our community for the time they devoted to this process. The Board is now committed to working with Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Hotchkiss on a smooth leadership transition.

 

Dr. Dwyer noted, "I am confident that Dr. Hotchkiss will be an excellent Head of School as she leads the Academy and its future of great promise in the spirit of the pioneering legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur."  

 

Please join me in welcoming the entire Hotchkiss family to the Notre Dame community. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our profound optimism and excitement about the future of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur under the leadership of Dr. Laura Hotchkiss. 

Sincerely,

Anne Vazquez '99
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Message from the New Head of School

Dear Notre Dame Community,

The first time I read the school's core values, rooted in Catholicism and committed to the lives of young women and their development, I knew that our philosophies were closely aligned. During my visit to campus, I witnessed firsthand the students' deep commitment to their classmates and to the world around them. I listened to administrators, faculty, and staff share their enthusiasm for guiding students in their academic pursuits, as well as in their development as leaders, campus ministers, and global citizens. The Academy alumnae, who spoke about their deep love for the school and their lifelong friends, reminded me of my own girls' school experience. Parents shared messages about community events that celebrate students through the arts, in athletic contests, and at school traditions.

 

While on campus, I was overwhelmed by the stunning school grounds with the iconic Mansion, the state-of-the-art fields, and the new Riley Center for STEM Education. I arrived on a snowy day and am excited for a fall day on the fields and a spring day in the Rose Garden. Throughout my visit, I was provided a lens into a school where laughter and compassion abound, where diversity is celebrated, and where academic, spiritual, and personal growth are nurtured. These are characteristics of an excellent school and a vibrant community. Saint Julie's philosophy remains even more relevant in today's world—focusing on the unique potential of each student, teaching them "what they need to know for life."

 

Throughout the search process, that little voice in my head kept saying to me, "This is the school where I belong." Thank you to all who shared and participated in this process—in person, on screen, and behind-the-scenes. I am grateful to the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Board of Trustees, Dr. Dwyer, and all the past leaders for their service and strategic vision for Notre Dame. I look forward to this opportunity to serve and learn alongside each of you.

 

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss

© 2021 Academy of Notre Dame de Namur