Today, Head of School Derek Krein announced that Tilton School will welcome Whitaker Hagerman Willocks as its next Assistant Head of School. Slated to begin on July 1, 2025, this reimagined position will play a critical role in the alignment and implementation of a strategic vision that supports the school’s commitment to academic achievement, student development and engagement, and faculty growth. Willocks will arrive on the Hill with an extensive background in boarding and day schools, including her most recent leadership position overseeing Upper School Admission and Financial Aid at Indian Creek School in Crownsville, MD. 

“By welcoming Whit to our leadership team, we are positioned to further our mission of helping students develop the skills and sensibilities they need to do hard things well,” says Krein. “Her unique blend of experiences in independent schools and, in particular, her focus on holistic development in and out of the classroom will help Tilton students, faculty, and staff to go beyond expectations and embrace the future of our school.”

Her lifelong connection to independent schools began as a “faculty kid” growing up on campus as her parents and grandparents worked at schools throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic, including her father’s time as Assistant Head of School at Salisbury School (Salisbury, CT) and Head of School at Pingree School (Hamilton, MA), her mother’s tenure as Director of Admissions at Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT) and Head of School at Oldfields School (Glencoe, MD), as well as her grandfather’s role as Head of School at Holderness School (Holderness, NH). Willocks later attended Brooks School in North Andover, MA, before going on to attend the University of Virginia, where she earned a B.A. in psychology and her M.Ed. in educational administration. Following her graduation from UVA, she began her career at Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT) and spent time at Kimball Union Academy (Meriden, NH) before beginning her current role at Indian Creek School; her work has covered many areas of school and community life, including college counseling, residential life, advising, coaching, advancement, and admissions.

“I am thrilled to join and serve the Tilton community in this capacity,” says Willocks. “I was inspired by the students and employees the moment I arrived on campus. It was immediately clear to me that Tilton’s future is extremely bright, and I am honored and excited to play my part in it. Tilton’s focus on helping students learn how to do hard things well resonated with me because my greatest passion is helping inspire and motivate young people. I gravitated towards Tilton’s small community, and I look forward to having my children surrounded by strong role models. My family and I can’t wait to get to campus!”

Willocks also spent the last two years as the Director of Student-Athlete Development for the women’s lacrosse program at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where she has worked to help players achieve their full potential on and off the field by emphasizing mental health and personal growth. Willocks is a former Division I athlete herself, having played five years of lacrosse at the University of Virginia and serving as captain during her fifth year.

In addition to her time in schools, Willocks possesses valuable experience with professional associations and within the lacrosse community. She spent four years as the Director of Events and Programs for the Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals (AISAP), was the Assistant Director of the Young Women in Sports Foundation, and has had numerous speaking engagements at schools and organizations over the course of her career.  Her strong background as a women’s lacrosse player and coach has included time as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College, Founder and CEO of the ECHO Lacrosse Club (based in Hanover, NH and serving grades 3-12), and Co-Head Coach of the 2011 Under Armour All-American New England Team.

“My passion for helping adolescents build and prioritize healthy relationships has led me around the country and provided me the opportunity to visit so many different schools and organizations,” says Willocks, who has worked extensively with the One Love Foundation in addition to her other professional accomplishments. “I have led leadership workshops educating young people on how we, as individuals, can all support one another while also not being afraid to challenge ourselves. Helping students realize how strong they are and all that they are capable of is my guiding light in all that I do. I look forward to bringing my experiences and all that I have learned with me to the Hill.”

Willocks and her family are eager to join the vibrant residential community at Tilton later this summer.