Head of School Penny B. Evins

Dear Holton-Arms Community,

On behalf of the Holton Arms Board of Trustees and Head of School Search Committee, we are thrilled to announce that Penny B. Evins has been appointed by the Board of Trustees as Holton-Arms’ 8th Head of School. Penny was unanimously recommended by the Search Committee to the Board of Trustees who then unanimously approved her appointment to succeed Susanna A. Jones on July 1, 2023.

Penny is a seasoned school leader who brings deep experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, trustees, families, students, and alums to strengthen school communities—always keeping the needs of the students front and center. With nearly a decade of experience serving as Head at two other prestigious independent schools–including Collegiate School in Richmond and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Baltimore–Penny has an exceptional record of building strong, lasting relationships and motivating those around her to be the best versions of themselves. In addition to her depth as a leader, she has a breadth of experience across school divisions and functional areas, including: division headships, admissions, counseling, and fundraising. 

Perhaps a result of her New Orleans roots, Penny is a straightforward and warm communicator–a real connector and people person. In making this choice, we have selected a leader who fully shares our community’s strong commitment to–indeed, has dedicated her career to–nurturing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive school. We are excited and energized by the promise and potential of Penny’s appointment as our next Head of School.

Selecting a new Head of School is perhaps the most consequential duty of the Board of Trustees. We extend our deepest gratitude to our fellow Search Committee members for the diligence, care and effort they have invested throughout this process. We are also appreciative of our alumni, faculty and staff, parents and guardians, and students who gave so generously of their time to engage with the finalists and share their many insights with the Search Committee along the way. 

We look forward to welcoming Penny along with her husband, Sam, and two children to our community in July. We will share more details about opportunities to meet and greet them soon. In the meantime, as Susanna continues to lead the School through June, we look forward to celebrating her extraordinary legacy. 

Stay tuned for updates on the many festivities ahead! 

Best,

Cathy Johnson Butz ’87, P ’18, P ’21, Trustee, Search Committee Co-Chair
Mark Israel, P ’20, P ’22, Trustee, Search Committee Co-Chair

Behind the Paw is a podcast series featuring interviews with teachers, alumni, students, staff, parents, and administrators—who support one another to find a way or make one. Hosted by Head of School Penny B. Evins, listeners will get a chance to follow along as Holton’s eighth Head of School listens and learns about what makes Holton so special. 

Episode 5: A Life of Impact and Meaning 
In this episode, Head of School Penny B. Evins explores the stories and insights of those who shape our beloved institution. We sit down with Julia Grandison, Academic Dean, and Yolanda Keener, Senior Class Dean, as they reflect on their years of service, share surprising tidbits about Holton's history, and discuss the evolving landscape of education. From classroom memories to favorite meals, from traditions cherished to challenges faced, listen in as we uncover the essence of Holton through the voices of its dedicated educators! 

Episode 4: Creative Waymakers 
In this episode, Head of School Penny Evins talks to Mike Robertson, Director of Libraries & Information Services, and Callie Oliver, Director of Auxiliary Programs, about why it takes a whole year to plan summer camp, the coziness of working in Granger House, how to find Callie by "following the music," and ... what does the Panther say? Listen in.

Episode 3: Arts, Athletics, Academics... oh my!
This week Head of School Penny Evins welcomes Athletic Director Graham Westerberg, Fine & Performing Arts Director Felicia Swoop and Student/Athlete/Artist Anne L. '24 to this episode of Behind the Paw. Listen in as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of trying new things, learning to fail, and quick changes between swim meets and Orchestra concerts. Check out previous episodes here.

Episode 2: Wisdom from 65 Combined Years at Holton

With a combined 65 years of experience at Holton, Lower School Science teacher Linda Bailey and Main Entrance Security Guard Dave Hawkins have touched the lives of generations of Holton girls and students. Listen in as Head of School Penny B. Evins learns a little more about what drew them to dedicate their careers to cultivating the unique potential of young women through the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit. They discuss their hopes for Holton’s students and families, as well as why Holton is an ideal work environment. And hear why Mrs. Evins has dubbed them our “Chief of Find a Way or Make One” and “Chief of First Impressions,” respectively.  

Episode 1: Habits of Mind & Heart

In this first episode Mrs. Evins is joined by alumnae parent and Trustee Cal Daggitt (P’ 21, P’23), her eldest daughter alumnae Macy Daggitt ’21 and Middlebury junior to talk about the habits of mind and heart that have set her up well for life after Holton. They’ll discuss how Holton helped them make room for learning from mistakes, encouraged healthy risk-taking and provided executive functioning for “adulting” in college.