A New Dean in Town

Charlotte McMahon is Pomfret’s new Dean of Students.

After a nationwide search and extensive interview process with the Dean of Students Search Advisory Group, Charlotte McMahon was selected as Pomfret School’s next dean of students. She stepped into her new role on January 3.

McMahon is no stranger to the Deans’ Office. After joining the Pomfret School community as an English teacher in the fall of 2017, she added the responsibility of form dean the following winter. During her five years in the Deans’ Office, she has worked with the freshman and sophomore classes to ease the transition to a new boarding school, established restorative education approaches to disciplinary hearings, and collaborated with the many school offices to support inclusivity, equity, and student growth. She went above and beyond in her role and established a residential assistant position, increased student leadership opportunities, and initiated the process for developing a new sexual health and wellness educational program, which was implemented this fall.

“Charlotte was unquestionably the strongest candidate in the pool,” expressed Head of School Tim Richards. “Not only is she well known to Pomfret, having served as an English teacher and a form dean for several years, her credentials and experience, both at Pomfret and in other roles in which she has served elsewhere, made her stand out above a strong crowd.”

In addition to her work as a form dean and English teacher, McMahon is an advisor, JV field hockey head coach, and freshman boys dorm head. She previously served as a crew coach and QUEST DEI pillar leader. Prior to her work at Pomfret, McMahon worked in numerous educational settings and works at Camp Moosilauke in New Hampshire during the summer. There, she has served as the residential director and head counselor before ultimately rising to the position of director of counselors in training.

“The Deans’ Office is fundamental in the support, growth, and overall happiness of the student body. I see this role and the institution as having a great and necessary opportunity to continue to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all,” says McMahon. “I am very excited about taking on this position.”

In her new role, McMahon plans to increase communication with athletics, DEI, admissions, academics, and student activities; revamp the dorm curriculum to provide students access to necessary educational topics outside of the academic realm; and hold regular meetings with each form to connect, gauge happiness, and gain more student input in the decisions that directly impact them. She is committed to connection through open communication, transparency, and accountability.

The top position in the Deans’ Office became available after the departure of former Dean of Students Wes Jenkins. In the interim, Assistant Dean of Students and History Teacher Pat Boyd, served as the acting dean of students. “Charlotte is an experienced educator who understands our students and will be fair and supportive in her new role. I look forward to working with her,” shares Boyd, who served on the search advisory group.

Originally from England, McMahon earned her BA from the London College of Communication before moving to the United States and earning her master's in teaching from Colgate University. She lives on the Hilltop with her husband, Associate Director of Admissions Quinn McMahon, their two children, Willow and River, and their Beagle, Winston.