KENT—Brian D. Sullivan is officially the 10th head of school at South Kent.
Sullivan was installed Sept. 26 on a beautiful day that coincided with the school’s annual Founders Day.
Sullivan, who began his tenure as associate head of school in July 2023 during the school’s centennial year, has already made a lasting impact through his forward-thinking leadership, according to longtime staff member Jennifer Haase.
The installation ceremony, held at St. Michael’s Chapel, celebrated Sullivan’s vision for South Kent School and his dedication to the school’s future.
Reflecting on his new role, Sullivan said, “It’s an incredible honor to be entrusted with leading South Kent School into its next century. This community is built on strong values and I’m excited to continue fostering that spirit as we look toward the future.”
Sullivan, who grew up in a family of educators, is a product of boarding school education himself, where he developed a deep respect for character, education and faith.
A graduate of The Hotchkiss School and Brown University, he later earned a Master’s of Science in Education with a focus on Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
His career began in finance, but shifted to education where he found his calling. He held various roles at Boston Collegiate Charter School, Millbury High School and Berkshire School before joining Kent School, where he served in both faculty and leadership positions before transitioning to South Kent.
“Boarding schools offer a unique opportunity to educate the whole student, and I’m committed to expanding learning beyond the classroom,” Sullivan explained. “At South Kent, we will continue to innovate and grow, ensuring our boys are equipped to lead in a complex world.”
Sullivan’s family, including his wife, Liza, a career educator and college counselor at Kent School, and their two sons, James and Hank, are also enthusiastic about joining the South Kent community.
South Kent maintains a strong academic reputation. Ranked among the top 20 schools in Connecticut, it has consistently sent graduates to prestigious colleges, including Cornell, Princeton and Harvard.
In addition to its academic excellence, the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded, thoughtful young men is also evident in its exceptional athletics program. With 163 talented alumni pursuing NCAA Division 1 dreams, South Kent’s soccer, hockey and basketball programs are renowned for helping students become not only better athletes, but also more united teammates.
“I chose South Kent because I wanted to push myself to be the best version of myself, both on and off the field,” said Daniel Ragsdale, student-athlete.
