The Woodward Academy Governing Board has announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Freer as Woodward’s eighth president, effective July 1.
According to a news release, Freer has been part of Woodward for 30 years in roles including Vice President for Advancement, Vice President for Student Life, Upper School Principal, dean, coach, and teacher. He is also the parent of two Woodward alumni and a current Upper School student.
“When I arrived at Woodward Academy in 1994 to teach and coach, I could never have imagined that three decades later I would be blessed to still call this campus home,” Freer said in the release. “Throughout my Woodward journey, I have had the privilege to serve Woodward as a teacher, coach, mentor, parent, and leader. In all of these roles, I have always strived to keep two fundamental principles at the heart of my efforts: the best interests of our students and the development of meaningful relationships. Through those countless relationships, I have no doubt we will continue to honor our tremendous history and respect our traditions as we keep the Academy moving forward. I am deeply honored and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our community as the next president of Woodward Academy.”
Freer earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in educational policy studies from Georgia State University. He most recently earned an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.
He and his wife, Amanda Lesesne Freer, have three sons – two Woodward alumni who are now students at Georgia Tech and one in the Class of 2027 at Woodward.
