US Headmaster to Lead New Jersey School

Brent D. Ballard, President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at University School, made the announcement, saying, “Steve has not been actively looking, but in recent years has been approached vigorously by some of the best independent schools in the country. While the timing wasn’t what Steve expected, there appear to be few opportunities of this caliber on the horizon, and he chose to at least hear about Lawrenceville’s hopes. Of course, they saw what we see and quickly moved to encourage Steve to consider the opportunity.” 

Ballard added that Murray’s achievements at US represent a crowning moment in the upward trajectory of the school.

“University School’s enrollment is strong with some of the highest caliber students in the region,” he said. “Our endowment, at $84 million, is the highest in our 124-year history. We have fully funded and are completing a $48 million building program at the Hunting Valley Campus. Our comprehensive campaign has just crossed the $86 million mark, and we have recently completed a compelling strategic plan for the future of the school.”

Murray has served as Headmaster of University School since 2005. Under his remarkable tenure, he also doubled the school’s financial aid resources, made median faculty salaries the highest among Ohio’s top independent schools, and assembled a strong administrative team to independently lead a number of innovative programs.

Prior to joining US, Murray served as Assistant Headmaster and Academic Dean at Deerfield Academy, in Deerfield, MA. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, with honors from Williams College, and earned both a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in French Literature from Harvard University.

Commenting on his decision to accept the new position, Murray, said, “The sad part of this is that I love University School and its Cleveland context. Our students are remarkable. We have assembled an exceptional faculty. The board, parent, and alumni leadership is among the strongest of any independent school in the country. What makes me feel most gratified, however, is that because of the loyalty and support of this remarkable community, University School is better positioned than ever to fulfill its mission.”

Ballard said the school is assembling a search team to seek Murray’s successor. “Steve leaves US in great shape and we have much to look forward to as we take on the exciting and important work of finding a compelling head to continue the stellar momentum of the school.”

The Lawrenceville School is a co-ed, independent boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12.