Several cluster deans are newly appointed to their positions this year. As an integral part of Andover tradition and student life, clusters provide members with a support system and the opportunity to connect with peers through events. These new cluster deans reflected on the year ahead and the impact of their roles on their respective communities.
David Fox has become the new Dean of Abbot Cluster, in addition to being an Instructor in English, Art History, and Head Coach of the Boys’ Varsity Swimming and Diving Team. Fox discussed his feelings of returning to the cluster and described the community as both tight-knit and diverse.
“Having lived in Abbot dormitories for more than 17 years, I am excited to return to the cluster. I also love the variety within Abbot: a huge day-student population, including many students whose parents work at Andover, and fifteen dormitories ranging from spaces with 5 students to 38,” wrote Fox in an email to The Phillipian.
He continued, “There are lots of different ways to experience Andover within this one cluster… I like the chance this job gives me to help build smaller communities inside a very big school — and also to work with each student individually, through both the good times and the hard times.”
Fox also noted the historical significance of the Abbot cluster, with the name originating from Abbot Academy, one of the first preparatory schools in New England established exclusively for young women.
“I love that Abbot has an actual history, that it means something. Abbot isn’t named for a piece of geography. It’s named for people — and for a school. For 145 years, Abbot Academy educated young women on this campus, beginning at a time when the idea that girls deserved a serious education was itself radical. When Abbot and [Andover] merged in 1973, the institution disappeared. The name didn’t,” wrote Fox.
Claire Gallou will serve as the Interim Dean of Pine Knoll Cluster for Fall Term. As an Instructor in French and former House Counselor in Stimson, Gallou hopes to foster a welcoming environment and cherish her time leading the cluster she calls home.
“It’s like going home to the Knoll where I lived for 15 years as a house counselor. It means building community, enjoying every moment with students and colleagues, and giving all I have to make the Pine Knoll community a place where everyone can thrive and feel supported,” wrote Gallou in an email to The Phillipian.
She continued, “The opening of school felt a bit like a roller coaster, but who didn’t feel that way? The learning curve is steep, but every minute is worth it, and it’s so good to ‘be home.’”
Gallou emphasized the role of a cluster dean as someone who connects and supports students during whatever circumstances that may arise. Through her position, she hopes to positively impact the lives of many students and gain valuable skills to improve her community in the future.
“A cluster dean provides an anchor, a source of support, and also a connection with the administration of the school to deal with unusual circumstances and provide consistency across campus. I don’t think about this role in terms of my own fulfillment, but I know that I will learn so much from it and be ready to serve my community even better in the future. What I take from it, I think, is already there — the pure joy of walking to the center of campus every morning knowing that I can make a difference,” wrote Gallou.
In addition, Lindsay Leal took on the role of Dean of Flagstaff Cluster this year, having previously served as Math Teacher and Associate Dean of Students at Taft School.
