I spent several days last week driving from Minnesota to Massachusetts with our dog, Melky. Over much of that travel, we listened to All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, which has consistently ranked as one of my favorite novels to revisit. Listening to it read allowed me new insights into the novel–perhaps because the reader’s tone and cadence emphasized certain elements, or perhaps simply because I have changed since my last reading. 

That second element is always true: when we revisit a book or movie or album we love after a period of time, we are a different person. Not totally, of course, but we have a period of time’s worth of growth (hopefully!) in between. A few things struck me during this revisit, but here is the biggest thing: the inevitability of change and the way change moves us as individuals.

John Grady Cole is sixteen, his family ranch is going up for sale, and the way of the cowboy in America seems to be disappearing. In the face of all these changes, Cole decides to head south into Mexico, looking for a life that allows him to continue in the way of his forebearers–but, of course, the narrative arc has other plans. The whole of the action of the novel stems from Cole’s decision to turn his back to the changes coming to Texas life in the 1950s; you can read the novel to determine how this turns out for him yourself.

For Shattuck St. Mary’s, ignoring change is not an option. In order to continue to remain relevant and honor our Mission, we must not only acknowledge the changes in the world around us, but we must also embrace them and learn to find excellence in them. This is something Shattuck has done exceedingly well over the last several generations, merging from two very different schools into one, discovering the power of specialized programs in secondary education, and embracing the globalization of education and the power and opportunity of international partnerships for our students’ development.

As we look to the future, we expect more of the same: more change. The United States and the broader world is experiencing a decline in birth rates, there are long-standing international alliances being challenged, and, in many ways, disruption has become the new norm. Our job is to remain the stable ground our students and families expect and our alums remember from their youth. 

But stability does not mean staying the same. In fact, staying the same in times of change can lead to instability. This August when students return to campus, we will have all of our academic classes in the Shattuck campus classrooms. Our students in our Pre-Conservatory and Vocal Performance Programs will combine under one umbrella program. We will be adding a second girls soccer team for increased depth and development. And, as is always the case, there will be new instructors, coaches, dorm parents, and specifically a new chaplain, who are excited about joining our community.

These changes have all been made with an understanding of the changes in the world outside the Arch, and our strategic plan, Vision 2030: Where Goals Lead, was created with an ever-changing world in mind. During our May meeting, the Board of Trustees ratified this plan, and I am excited to share it with you. As you read through it, you will see that even in change there are throughlines. Our values and mission remain consistent; the change is in some of the lived experiences. 

In August, we will host a series of online Q&A sessions, and we welcome you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions. Shattuck is our school, and all voices are welcome as they have been throughout the entire strategic planning process. Shattuck has provided thousands of students the opportunity to chase their goals, big and small, and Vision 2030 is our way of ensuring we are able to provide thousands more students the same opportunity. I look forward to working on this goal with all of you.

In partnership,