Dr. Monica Benton Palmer has accepted a new role as Director of Special Philanthropic and Strategic Gifts in the office of Development and Alumni Relations, beginning July 1, 2024. To ensure the successful conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year, Dr. Palmer will remain as the US principal through June 30.
This transition leverages Dr. Palmer’s expertise in independent school leadership, her experience as a fundraiser, and her deep pride in Milton and its community. “During her tenure as Upper School principal, Monica has consistently shown that she understands what it means to truly connect with people and build community,” noted Dr. Alixe Callen, Milton’s head of school. “These will be invaluable skills for development work.”
“Milton is grateful to Monica for her many contributions to the Upper School. I have been so impressed by how effectively she forges relationships and creates deep and lasting bonds with students and families,” continued Callen. “She is also one of the most visible principals with whom I have worked. Whether she’s playing ping pong with students, cheering on our athletic teams, attending art shows and performances, teaching her drama class, or running a meeting, she’s extremely engaged and she does it all with great joy. I know she will bring this same passion to her new role.”
To provide as smooth a transition as possible for students and faculty, the school will begin its search for Dr. Palmer’s successor immediately. The school’s plan is to have a new Upper School principal in place by July 1, in advance of the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. One of the wonderful things about Milton is its ability to attract extremely talented educators, and the school is optimistic that it will be able to meet this goal.
