“First, I believe strongly in independent school education. Second, being able to come back home to Wisconsin was a major draw. Third, I get to work for one of the top independent schools in the country.”
Leadership: Why does the tyranny of immediate demands overwhelm the imperative of addressing the larger challenges the future demands? Working at USM is a real boon for Peters, both professionally as well as personally. He enjoys the fact that his job is to promote the best school in the state. Reflecting on his new
USM Welcomes New Director of Enrollment Management
position at USM, he recalls one of his favorite quotes from the former head of the National Association of Independent Schools, Pat Bassett: “Leadership: Why does the tyranny of immediate demands overwhelm the imperative of addressing the larger challenges the future demands?” Peters believes that having a position that allows him to focus on sustainability
When Eric Peters accepted his position as director of enrollment
in enrollment—and ultimately the sustainability of quality
and financial aid at The Tatnall School, he told his head of
enrollment for future years—is what will lead USM to
school he would only leave for one of two reasons: if he
continued success.
was offered a head of school position at another school, or if University School of Milwaukee came calling.
USM is also a place he feels he can plant roots. Peters’ wife, Shannon, was hired as a senior kindergarten assistant
Peters answered that call this past summer when he was hired
teacher at the School, and their twin daughters, Bella ’28 and
as USM’s director of enrollment management. He comes to
Monica ’28, are in junior kindergarten. He and his family are
USM with work experience that varies geographically, but has
already feeling part of this welcoming community. They look
always been focused on enrollment. He began his career
forward to the drive to campus each morning and are excited
working in college admissions at three universities, but missed
to become even more involved in the School community and
the close daily contact with students. It was then that he made
its traditions for years to come.
the transition to independent schools by taking a position as dean of admission and college counseling at Wayland
“I see USM as a lifestyle, not just a job. I love this school and
Academy in Wisconsin—his home state. He then transitioned
relocated from Delaware to be here because I see this as a
to a similar position at Tatnall in 2010, prior to joining USM.
‘forever school.’ I can’t say enough about how happy I am to be here.”
When asked why he pursued a role with USM, Peters responded that he came here for a few main reasons.
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