Emma Willard in the News

Emma Willard School appoints new admissions head

April 15, 2009

effrey E. Pilgrim, associate director of admission at The Williston Northampton School (MA), has been appointed director of admissions at Emma Willard School, Head of School Trudy Hall has announced. The appointment is effective July 1.

Pilgrim has served for eighteen years as a member of the admissions staff at his alma mater, The Williston Northampton School. His primary duties have included international recruitment, coordination of the 100-member tour guide program, and computer systems and Web site development. He also served as an academic advisor and as head coach for the girls’ varsity soccer team, which won New England Class B championships in 2002, 2003, and 2006. Pilgrim was the president, treasurer, and founder of the New England Prep School Women's Soccer Association.

As director of admissions, Pilgrim will oversee Emma Willard’s enrollment and financial aid programs, including recruitment and travel, research and planning, hiring and training of staff, budget management, and special marketing and communications initiatives. He will travel widely and represent the school to both internal and external constituencies.

“We are delighted to welcome Jeff to the Emma Willard community,” Head of School Trudy Hall noted. “We look forward to being the beneficiaries of his long and successful tenure in the independent school world. His experience in the classroom, on the playing fields, and especially as a leader in admissions makes him a strong fit for our global community that places a special value on intellectual and personal growth.”

A graduate of Trinity College (CT), Pilgrim majored in biology and went on to teach science at The Peddie School (NJ), where he coordinated the ninth-grade science program, coached girls’ varsity soccer and basketball, and served as a dormitory supervisor. While at Peddie, Pilgrim led the girls’ soccer team to postseason play and state championships. From Peddie, Pilgrim went to Morristown-Beard School (NJ) as a science teacher and development office intern before returning to his alma mater in 1991 as assistant director of admission.

“I am very excited to accept this appointment as director of admissions at the nation’s oldest girls’ school. Emma Willard’s distinguished history and reputation are highly regarded in educational circles, and I look forward to making the world at large more aware of Emma Willard School,” Pilgrim commented upon his appointment.