'Morse Field' Naming Honors Dexter and Barbara Morse

The Worcester Academy Board of Trustees announced today that it was naming the Academy’s new lighted turf field in honor of longtime Head of School Dexter P. Morse and his wife, Barbara Morse.

The field, located at the corners of Providence and Winthrop streets in Worcester, just two blocks from the school’s historic main campus, will be known as Morse Field, in honor of the Morses’ contributions and service during Mr. Morse’s tenure as head of school from 1997-2012.

Mr. Morse is stepping down as head of school July 1 after a remarkable 15-year period of unprecedented growth and financial stability at the Academy. Associate Head of School Ronald M. Cino will become head at that time.

'UNPRECENTED GROWTH'

Beginning in 1997, Dexter Morse has guided the school through the greatest period of growth in a hundred years and positioned it as one of the best urban day-boarding schools in the country.

Since his hiring, the number of students at Worcester Academy has more than doubled, as has the number of faculty and staff. The school has completed numerous building renovations (most impressively Kingsley Laboratories and Warner Theater) and constructed New Balance Fields and Rader Hall, the first new academic building in a century.

The newly named Morse Field was Worcester Academy’s most recently completed endeavor, with the ribbon cutting being held only last September. The field was built on 10 acres of the former St. Vincent Hospital property, portions of which the school purchased during Mr. Morse’s tenure.

The field is a symbol of neighborhood renewal in the vicinity of the Academy, led by the school’s investments in and commitment to improving the quality of life on Union Hill.

In 2011, Worcester Academy announced the start of a $50 million Capital Campaign, “OnWArd,” which has so far raised $33 million toward its goal. In 2003, the school successfully completed a $31.5 million Capital Campaign.

In addition to the capital campaigns and improvements to buildings and grounds, Worcester Academy has completed two strategic plans and two reaccreditations with the New England Association of School and Colleges. The curriculum has been updated, with an emphasis on student-centeredness and real world engagement. In 2006, Boston Magazine named Worcester Academy “Best Math School” among private schools in Massachusetts.

Girls athletics have also rocketed to success during Mr. Morse’s tenure with girls teams joining the pantheon of storied boys championship teams, whose banners line Daniels Gym. The WA Girls Soccer Team has won championships in 2002, 2008, 2009, and 2011, and was named best girls prep soccer program in the country by ESPN last year. The girls basketball team and ski team have also won championships in recent years.

DEXTER P. MORSE

Dexter Morse, the Academy's 30th head of school, is a veteran independent school administrator, teacher, and coach. A graduate of Andover Academy and Bowdoin College, he received his master's in educational administration from the University of Vermont.

Prior to his appointment at Worcester Academy, Mr. Morse was head of the Upper Division at Phoenix Country Day. He was formerly headmaster of the Heritage School in Newman, GA; assistant headmaster at Vermont Academy; and a football coach and history teacher at Trinity Pawling School.

ABOUT WORCESTER ACADEMY

Worcester Academy is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6-12 and postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and challenging curriculum provide students with a solid, real-world education. For more information, visit www.worcesteracademy.org

You may also contact Neil Isakson, director of communications, at 508-754-5302 x135, or e-mail neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org


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