April 3, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to share an update on the leadership transition and the exciting road ahead for Mounds Park Academy. As many of you know, this will be my final year serving as head of school at MPA. It is a bittersweet season—filled with reflection, gratitude, and anticipation for what’s to come. Serving this community has been the greatest privilege of my professional life, and I remain deeply invested in ensuring a smooth, thoughtful, and mission-aligned transition.
Over the past several months, I have been working closely with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, who was appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as the next head of school, effective July 1, 2025. Having the opportunity to partner with her during this full year of transition has been a true gift. It is rare in independent schools to have this kind of intentional, overlapping leadership—and we are using it fully to MPA’s advantage.
It was good to see so many of you at the Coffee & Conversation events with Dr. Brogdon and me. For those of you who were able to attend, I hope that you saw the synergy and warmth between the two of us. You may have also viewed a video of the two of us discussing leadership and the transition. If you haven’t, please click here. Know that an additional two videos will be released very soon. My hope is to alleviate whatever anxiety the community might feel about the transition.
Dr. Brogdon brings a wealth of experience as an educator and leader, but just as importantly, she brings a deep resonance with MPA’s values and vision. From her very first visit to campus, she has approached her work with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to learning from the people who know MPA best—our students, families, faculty, and staff. Whether she is meeting with directors, joining students for lunch, or listening closely during parent coffees, she leads with empathy and discernment. These qualities give me great confidence that MPA’s future is in excellent hands.
Together, Dr. Brogdon and I have been building a strong foundation for continuity and momentum. We’ve met regularly with school leaders across all divisions, offices, and areas to ensure that institutional knowledge is preserved and that critical projects continue with focus and clarity. From academic programming and enrollment to DEIB initiatives and long-range planning, we are working hand in hand to ensure alignment and shared vision.
At the same time, Dr. Brogdon has begun establishing her own rhythms of leadership—taking time to build relationships, listen to the voices of our community, and deepen her understanding of MPA’s history, culture, and aspirations. As she prepares to formally step into the role this summer, she is balancing respect for what has come before with a thoughtful eye toward what lies ahead.
For our students, the transition is being handled with quiet care and continuity. The day-to-day experience of learning, growing, and discovering remains at the center of school life. Our faculty continue to guide that work with wisdom and devotion, ensuring that MPA’s mission remains alive and well in every classroom and every relationship.
To the MPA community: thank you. Your partnership, support, and trust have been vital to our school’s continued growth. This transition belongs not just to those of us in leadership, but to all of us who love MPA and want to see it flourish. I will continue to keep you informed and engaged throughout the spring.
In the coming months, you will see more and more of Dr. Brogdon at concerts and special events. I couldn’t be more honored that Dr. Brogdon and her husband Alan will at the Gala of Gratitude tomorrow night. There will also be moments to celebrate and reflect on the journey we’ve shared. Until then, please know how grateful I am to be walking through this season of change alongside you—with optimism, confidence, and deep affection for our extraordinary community.
