Rawson announces plan to retire in 2026
Principal Bill Rawson ’71; P’08 announced to the greater Exeter community Friday that he intends to retire after the 2025-26 academic year.
In a brief address to students, which was met with a long and loud standing ovation, and in a letter to the Exeter community, Rawson said it was “understandably bittersweet” that he informed the Trustees of his intentions to step down after next year.
Rawson was formally appointed the school’s 16th principal on Jan. 25, 2019, after serving in the position in an interim role. As he spoke to students Friday in Assembly Hall, he referred to his remarks that day and the deep personal significance the moment held for him.
“I spoke about how my time at Exeter as a student had transformed my life, and how it was deeply meaningful to me to have the opportunity, as principal, to help Exeter do the same for all of you,” Rawson said. “It has indeed been deeply meaningful to me to serve this school as your principal and help all of you learn, grow and thrive in all the ways that make Exeter so special.”
Rawson told the students, “I say to you all the time that you all belong here. I have felt since my days as a student, and now as your principal, that I too belong here. But what was initially intended to be a two-year assignment has become an eight-year assignment, and I feel the time is right for me and for the school to make the transition to new leadership.”
“Since his arrival in 2018, Bill has provided steady, thoughtful leadership, guiding Exeter through both challenges and progress with an unwavering dedication to our mission and values,” Trustee President Kristyn McLeod Van Ostern ’96 wrote in a letter to the community.
“Under Bill’s guidance, Exeter has thrived as a place where knowledge and goodness live together. His commitment to inclusion has strengthened our sense of belonging, while his forward-thinking approach to sustainability and campus stewardship has positioned Exeter for long-term success. His constant presence at student performances, athletic competitions, and academic events reflects his deep joy in seeing students shine — not just in the classroom, but in every aspect of their Exeter experience.”
A committee led by Trustee Janney Wilson ’83 will commence a broad and inclusive search to find his successor.
Rawson’s tenure has included the school’s historic transition to a need-blind admissions process and the adoption of its first climate action and sustainability plan. He redoubled efforts to create a strong sense of belonging for all members of the community. He also helped the school navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, christened the Academy’s first new dorm construction in 50 years and new dining center and mapped out an exciting makeover of the Academy Building, work that is schedule to begin this summer.
“Principal Rawson has given our community worthy service during his tenure,” said Dean of Faculty Eimer Page. “He strives daily to create meaningful connections with staff at the lunch table, families over dinner or on the sidelines, students in their rehearsals, practices, club meetings and performances, and faculty in every aspect of our work. He feels a deep sense of connection to the school and is unique in having been a student, an alumnus, a faculty member, a trustee, a parent and our principal. He exemplifies the principle of non sibi and we are deeply grateful to him for his stewardship of our school. He leaves us stronger, more connected with one another, better-resourced and full of genuine gratitude to him.”
Assistant Principal Karen Lassey added, “The entire Academy community has benefitted from Principal Rawson’s selfless commitment and principled leadership. I am grateful for all I have learned from him personally and know that his impact on so many others has been just as transformative, if not more so.”
Rawson closed his remarks Friday by telling the students, “I will be with you all of this year and next year, and as long as I am your principal, I will do all I can to support you and help you thrive at Exeter.”
Clare McCann ’26 said, “Principal Rawson has been an avid supporter of me (and my brother and sister before me), always showing up to volleyball practices and games whenever he could. I’m so glad he’ll still be here to hand me my diploma!”
Rawson concluded by saying, “I have said that I believe that human connection is the foundation of everything important that we do in our lives. I feel deeply connected to this school and to all of you. It is a great joy to be your principal.”
Then the principal tapped his microphone and closed assembly.
“Senior class.”