John Anderson, Director of College Counseling, is saying goodbye to the CCO and saying hello to the world outside of Andover, following his retirement last week. Anderson said he plans to spend time with his family and cope with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with a few years ago. “I thought it was a good time to retire because I was still healthy and wanted to do things that I had always wanted to do, like plan a trip for my wife and travel to Alaska,” he said. Sallie Batchelor, Associate Director of College Counseling, will assume Anderson’s responsibilities for the remainder of spring term and will continue working in the CCO next fall. Batchelor initially planned to take over for Carl Bewig as Associate Director of the CCO in fall 2010, but was able to fill in early following Anderson’s unexpected retirement. Batchelor will act as College Counselor for all of Anderson’s Class of 2011 counselees. She will also accept a small portion of counselees of Anne Ferguson, Acting Director of College Counseling. Additionally, Anderson said he and his wife plan to visit the Canadian Rockies and revisit Prague. “One of the great things about retirement is that you do not have to make plans,” said Anderson. “I will take the opportunity to live without restrictions, to stop and smell the roses.” Anderson assumed the Director of College Counseling position in 2002 and has held this role for last eight years. Anderson also acted as a college counselor to a group of approximately 40 students, and was both a track and field official and an academic advisor. Anderson said, “The time you spend with the students is definitely the most enjoyable. That’s the fun part of the job. You have the opportunity to work with students who are bright and intrigued by the world. They are challenging in the best sense of the word.” “Each student comes with strengths and weaknesses, and it has been great working with them and guiding them through such an important transition in their lives,” said Anderson. “It’s a wonderful feeling to see them awarded their diplomas, or visit and give you their gratitude for your help and part in their lives.” Prior to his arrival at Andover, Anderson served as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Kenyon College in Ohio. Anderson said he accepted the job at Andover because “[he] was offered the opportunity to work with the best and brightest of college counseling.” Anderson also said he wanted to build more personal relationships with students, which he was not able to as the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Kenyon. “The job allowed me to learn a lot and to see from the other side of the desk,” said Anderson. “It was an opportunity to work with students at a very important part of their life.” Anderson also wanted to move closer to his home, New Hampshire. “My wife and I always wanted to live in New England. We had been sidetracked a bit living in Ohio and saw the job as a way to return to our home.” Anderson made many changes to the College Counseling process during his tenure. Under his direction, the College Counseling Office began the College Counseling Kick-Off for Upper Parents, an opportunity for Upper parents to learn about college admissions and the application process. The Kick-Off is now an integral part of college application program for all Andover students. Anderson also implemented a transition to electronic applications, which the College Counseling Office will use in the upcoming year. Anne Ferguson will act as Director of College Counseling for the duration of the year. Ferguson has known Anderson for over 30 years and worked with Anderson in Ohio prior to the Andover College Counseling Office. Ferguson said, “He is a wonderful guy and a thoroughly decent person. He cares deeply about his students and was a great mentor to everyone in the office.” Anderson said, “I really enjoyed my time here. It is a marvelous place, with the most wonderful resources. Looking back on it all, I would not have traded it for anything.” Following his retirement, Anderson and his wife moved to New Hampshire, where they will permanently reside.
