NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeAdmission
Milford named director of admission, assistant headmaster
Apr 6, 2009 12:00 AM
By James Milford - FF/S
With last week’s announcement that Stormy Johnson will not return as director of admission next year, Headmaster Tom Whitworth has named James Milford to be her successor. Milford, who currently serves as director of student life, will also take on additional duties as assistant headmaster.
In February, the school announced that Milford would serve as director of Upper School in 2009-10; however, with this turn of events, Whitworth knows that filling that void in the Admission Office is Darlington’s first priority.
“There is a need for immediate and competent transition, and we need to fill this position with a leader who already knows what makes a successful student at Darlington, who recognizes the quality necessary in students we want to enroll, who understands the process by which we find these students, who has a deep understanding of our programs and culture, and who has the trust and confidence of both the Admission Office and school as a whole,” Whitworth said. “James is a great communicator. He’s thoughtful and sensitive, but also firm and direct. And he has a great vision of what’s best for our students and this institution. He is truly qualified for either position, but when this opportunity presented itself, it was clear that his previous experience in admission and student life combined with his passion for Darlington make him the right leader for our admission process and the clear choice for assistant headmaster. I am thrilled that James’ new role will enable him to continue to be involved in the Upper School life, but also bring his experience and talents to the Lower and Middle divisions as well.”
Milford has been a part of student life at Darlington since 2001, serving as Head of Cooper House for seven years, admission officer for four years, director of the First-Year Experience program and director of residential life for two years, and now as director of student life. He also served in a consulting role for Darlington for four years prior to his employment. He holds a B.B.A. from Shorter College and will finish up his M.B.A. at Berry College next year.
Milford said he is humbled by the opportunity and honored to serve the school in this capacity, and he looks forward to strengthening his connection to each division in his role as assistant headmaster.
“I feel that my understanding of the pressures of day and resident students and parents combined with my previous admission experience and expertise in logistics and communication will strengthen and position Darlington well in our target markets,” Milford said. “I have already begun to work with Stormy and her team to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forward to tackling the challenges that will surely come with my new role. This is an exciting opportunity for me to broaden my scope to the entire student experience, beginning with admission and ending with Commencement. As I’ve said before, there are so many growth opportunities for us – as a community – to embark upon together, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Darlington is in the process of searching for an acting director of Upper School.
“We will keep the Darlington Community apprised of our progress,” Whitworth said. “As always, we thank you for your support of this great institution.”
In February, the school announced that Milford would serve as director of Upper School in 2009-10; however, with this turn of events, Whitworth knows that filling that void in the Admission Office is Darlington’s first priority.
“There is a need for immediate and competent transition, and we need to fill this position with a leader who already knows what makes a successful student at Darlington, who recognizes the quality necessary in students we want to enroll, who understands the process by which we find these students, who has a deep understanding of our programs and culture, and who has the trust and confidence of both the Admission Office and school as a whole,” Whitworth said. “James is a great communicator. He’s thoughtful and sensitive, but also firm and direct. And he has a great vision of what’s best for our students and this institution. He is truly qualified for either position, but when this opportunity presented itself, it was clear that his previous experience in admission and student life combined with his passion for Darlington make him the right leader for our admission process and the clear choice for assistant headmaster. I am thrilled that James’ new role will enable him to continue to be involved in the Upper School life, but also bring his experience and talents to the Lower and Middle divisions as well.”
Milford has been a part of student life at Darlington since 2001, serving as Head of Cooper House for seven years, admission officer for four years, director of the First-Year Experience program and director of residential life for two years, and now as director of student life. He also served in a consulting role for Darlington for four years prior to his employment. He holds a B.B.A. from Shorter College and will finish up his M.B.A. at Berry College next year.
Milford said he is humbled by the opportunity and honored to serve the school in this capacity, and he looks forward to strengthening his connection to each division in his role as assistant headmaster.
“I feel that my understanding of the pressures of day and resident students and parents combined with my previous admission experience and expertise in logistics and communication will strengthen and position Darlington well in our target markets,” Milford said. “I have already begun to work with Stormy and her team to ensure a smooth transition, and I look forward to tackling the challenges that will surely come with my new role. This is an exciting opportunity for me to broaden my scope to the entire student experience, beginning with admission and ending with Commencement. As I’ve said before, there are so many growth opportunities for us – as a community – to embark upon together, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Darlington is in the process of searching for an acting director of Upper School.
“We will keep the Darlington Community apprised of our progress,” Whitworth said. “As always, we thank you for your support of this great institution.”
