Asabe Poloma Is New Leader of IRT
Keziban Barry ’02
“I am excited to uphold and advance the legacy of Dr. [Kelly] Wise to promote authentic and intentional diversity along the educational pipeline by
cultivating and nurturing a network of high-achieving, aspiring teachers committed to the same ideals,” says Asabe Poloma, who became the new executive director of the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) on February 1. She served as IRT director for six years. Founded in 1990 by Kelly Wise (see story below), the IRT prepares rising college seniors and recent graduates—more than 2,000 to date—for graduate school and careers in schools and universities. The outreach program’s goal is to increase the number of teachers and administrators of color and other scholars committed to diversity to better reflect and serve a diverse student population. “I have utmost faith in Asabe,” says Wise. “With vision and tireless
commitment to the mission of the IRT, she will guide the organization in new, exciting, and productive ways.” “In seeking to address a critical need of our country’s education system—educational equity and broader diversity among classroom teachers and administrators—Asabe has brought together traditional and innovative methods to ensure that IRT programs have the greatest possible impact and reach,” says Head of School John Palfrey. Poloma’s new IRT initiatives over the past few years include the launch of an online student application system, the use of social media to facilitate alumni networking, and the production of “EdTalks,” a video series that documents important issues in education. She also has used
research and data to more effectively communicate IRT’s success stories and advocate for financial support. “Fortunately, the IRT is well known, so the position drew nationwide interest,” says IRT Advisory Board Chair Stephen Frank ’81, who also chaired the interview committee. “Asabe distinguished herself in a field of outstanding candidates.” Prior to joining Phillips Academy, Poloma held several positions in higher education, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations. She holds an MS degree from Columbia University and an MA from Old Dominion University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in higher education administration at UMass Boston.
Photos by Keziban Barry ’02
Thank You, Kelly Wise More than 120 faculty, friends, and former students gathered at Manhattan’s New York Times Building on April 8 to celebrate the long and distinguished Andover career of Kelly Wise, who retired as executive director of the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) in fall 2013. The event, emceed by Head of School John Palfrey, was hosted by Bruce Wilson ’77 at the offices of Covington & Burling LLP. Victoria Kataoka ’93, Drew Guff ’79, Faculty Emeritus Phil Zaeder, and former IRT director Chera Reid offered tributes. Guff and Dan Algrant ’76 presented Wise with a rare copy of Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, which they had discovered while searching for just the right gift. Amazingly, tucked inside the old book was a personal letter from the great author addressed to “Mister K. Kelly Wise.” Guff read the congratulatory note aloud “with proper Dostoyevsky accent.”
John Gillepsie ’71 and David Winton ’71 presented Wise with a second book that he also will surely treasure— one that included photos, anecdotes, and reminiscences from students, colleagues, and family members. Then, to resounding applause, Stephen Frank ’81, IRT Advisory Board chair, announced that more than $700,000 had been pledged to the IRT in honor of Wise’s 47-year career and formative contributions to countless students. Wise, who joined PA as an English instructor in 1966, wore many hats over the ensuing decades, including those of cluster dean, English department chair, and dean of faculty. In 1990, Wise founded the IRT at the Academy to create a broader pipeline of talented educators of color and
other scholars committed to diversity to all levels of the U.S. educational system. To date, more than 250 IRT alumni have earned PhD degrees and another 824 former students have earned master’s degrees; most now teach, counsel, and serve as administrators at schools, colleges, and universities from coast to coast. Wise was succeeded as IRT executive director by Asabe Poloma in February (see story above).
Top: Guest of honor Kelly Wise is joined by former students Jennifer Bassett Sherman, Kelley Hicks, and Elyse Cowgill, all Class of 1997. Bottom: Head of School John Palfrey thanks Kelly Wise for his many years of leadership and service.
Andover | Spring 2014
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