News & Notes
In Memory: Bob Johnston Head of School from 1986 to 1992
F
ormer Head of School Robert “Bob” Johnston passed away peacefully on January 26, at age 83. Mr. Johnston served as Country Day’s head of school from 1986 to 1992. Prior to Country Day, he was headmaster at the University School of Milwaukee and at Durham Academy for eight years each. After Country Day he led Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, making significant contributions at every school he served. As head of school, Mr. Johnston was always focused on what was best for students and took every opportunity to hear their views and ideas. In fact, shortly after arriving on campus, he had a door built from his office, then located in Barnhardt Hall, to the outside so that students had easy access. He was also known to invite students for chat sessions and was very visible on campus, attending sporting matches, performances, and other student activities as much as his busy schedule allowed. To
give all students a chance to build character and teamwork skills through athletics, he instituted the school’s full-participation athletics policy. “I had the pleasure of meeting Bob several years ago, and he remained deeply interested in the educational experience our students enjoy today,” said Head of School Mark Reed. “I sensed he truly loved his time at Country Day.” During his tenure here, Mr. Johnston made an impact institutionally. He championed Country Day’s global focus by supporting the establishment of the Office of International Studies, expanding the foreign language program, and significantly increasing international student enrollment. He also was committed to creating a more diverse student body. Under his leadership, Country Day was the first school in Charlotte to affiliate with A Better Chance, a program that identified and promoted scholarships for minority
students. He also secured grant money from the E.E. Ford Foundation to support minority enrollment. Mr. Johnston oversaw the Expanding Future Opportunities campaign, which grew endowment to support faculty salaries and student scholarships, as well as funded construction of the Levine Center, and expansions to Dickson-Sanger Dining Hall and Belk Stadium. While at Country Day, he was elected into the Headmasters Association, a highly selective organization of school leaders from across the nation. As a school community, we continue to benefit from the advances made under Mr. Johnston’s leadership at Country Day.
Mark Reed Elected Into Headmasters Association
A favorite Lower School tradition is the holiday visit to Mr. Reed’s house.
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PERSPECTIVES
In October, Mark Reed was elected into the Headmasters Association, a highly selective organization of 100 secondary school educational leaders from across the nation. He is the only Charlotte-area member, and one of just two members in the state. “This is a great honor for Mark and for Country Day,” said Louis Bledsoe ’77, chair of the Board of Trustees. “I know all our students and faculty will benefit from his participation in this highly selective organization.” “Mark Reed’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have pushed our school to expand in ways that have benefited our students, faculty, staff, and the community,” said Ann Caulkins, vice chair of Country Day’s Board of Trustees and publisher of the Charlotte Observer.
In February, Mr. Reed attended his first Headmasters Association meeting in which educational leaders from many of the country’s best known and selective private schools dive deeply into stimulating and timely themes. This year, the focus of study and discussion was “Discord and Disaster: Differences that Divide Us.” Previous year’s themes have included such topics as immigration, arts in school, the economy, and understanding Islam. “One of my favorite sayings is ‘Learning is the lifeblood of the human existence,’” said Mr. Reed. “As a lifelong learner, I am greatly looking forward to the knowledge I will gain through my connection with other educational leaders in the Headmasters Association.”