Since its founding, Phillips Exeter Academy has relied on visionary thinkers to lead the institution. These individuals have been guided by the principles and values John and Elizabeth Phillips laid out in the Deed of Gift, values that endure today.
We are blessed to have the combined experience, vision and wisdom of our principal, our leadership team and our Trustees to continue to steer our Academy as it readies for its 250th year and beyond.
Meet the Principal
Principal Bill Rawson ’71, P’08 has been dedicated to Phillips Exeter Academy for much of his life. A three-sport athlete in the class of 1971, Bill returned to campus just after graduating from Amherst College to work as an officer in Admissions. Thereafter, he served variously as a class and parent volunteer and, for two terms, as a member of the Trustees, all while building a career in law in Washington, D.C.
In 2018, Bill agreed to serve as interim principal as the Trustees sought a permanent successor. Six months into that search, they realized that successor was in their midst. On Jan. 25, 2019, Bill was named the 16th principal of the Academy. His calm, thoughtful and decisive leadership has steered Exeter through the challenges of our times as the school evolves toward the 250th anniversary of its founding.
“Attending Exeter was a transformative experience for me,” he told an assembly audience upon his naming. “I am deeply committed to helping Exeter be the same for all of you, and all who will follow you. I am committed to doing all I can to support the Exeter of today, while working with all of you to envision the Exeter of tomorrow.”
