The Montgomery Academy Announces New Head of School Jay Spencer

The Montgomery Academy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the unanimous confirmation of James L. Spencer IV as the new Head of School, effective June 1, 2016. Mr. Spencer will be the eighth Head of School at The Montgomery Academy. His appointment was the result of a nationwide search that took into consideration critical input from The Montgomery Academy school community including parents, teachers, students, alumni and administration.

Mr. Spencer is currently the Director of Studies at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1984.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics at Vanderbilt University (magna cum laude) in 1989. He received his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt in the same year. Jay served for the next 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine officer. His final tour was in command of the operational arm of the Navy’s submarine rescue forces as Commanding Officer of Deep Submergence Unit in San Diego, CA. 

“We believe we have made an excellent choice in Mr. Spencer,” stated Ronnie Brown, President of the Board of Trustees and 1992 graduate of The Montgomery Academy. “Our mission at The Montgomery Academy is to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service and the pursuit of excellence. Jay is the embodiment of MA’s mission and core values and we look forward to his leadership.”

“The school retained a nationally-recognized search firm who identified numerous qualified applicants from across the United States,” stated Temple Millsap, Search Committee Chairman and 1974 graduate of The Montgomery Academy. “After a review of the outstanding candidates from a variety of school settings, it became clear that Jay encompassed all of the key qualities we sought in our next Head of School, including academic and teaching experience, fund-raising proficiency and proven success as a leader. He embraces the core values and traditions of The Montgomery Academy and will lead the school on a path of continued distinction.”

Mr. Spencer grew up in Greenwood, Mississippi, and met his wife, Dr. Kristin Spencer, while at Vanderbilt. They are the parents of four children, Jackie, a junior at Elon University, Colin, a sophomore at Purdue University, Matt, a tenth grader at The Hill School and David, a fifth grader.

“I am honored to be called to serve such a fine institution as Head of School,” stated Mr. Spencer. “My family and I are excited to be making this move. I was impressed at how genuine and dedicated everyone was during my brief time on campus, and I look forward to developing strong and lasting relationships over the coming years.”