Elgin Academy names new head of school

A current administrator at Elgin Academy will succeed John Cooper as the college preparatory school's head of school.

Seth Hanford, Elgin Academy's assistant head of school since 2006, will take over beginning July 1.

Fred Masnato, chairman of the school's board of trustees, said Hanford is dedicated to serving all of the students at Elgin Academy and has proved himself as an effective administrator and teacher.

“The board and I have the utmost confidence in Seth Hanford's ability to lead this community as it moves forward,” Masnato said in a news release. “He is well matched to expand the range of work already under way at the school and continue its long tradition of academic excellence.”

Hanford began his career at Elgin Academy in the mid 1990s as a history teacher. He has also served as the academy's upper school director.

“I am thrilled and really honored,” Hanford said. “This is a fantastic place to work and it is a fantastic faculty and a fantastic community. The groundwork has been laid tremendously well by John Cooper and I am excited to continue that work and keep moving forward.”

His previous experience includes work as a teacher and adviser at both middle and high school levels at two other independent schools. Hanford has more than 20 years' experience in education.

Cooper, who has served as head of school since 2000, will take on the same role at Texas Military Institute-The Episcopal School of Texas.