Harding Academy Board of Trustees: Fall Community Update

Dear Harding Academy Community,

It is hard to believe it is already mid-September! Now that everyone is hopefully settled into their school routines, I wanted to give a brief update on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Most importantly, we want to acknowledge and thank our incredible faculty and staff for a wildly successful start to the year. Across our PreK-8 community, students and families were welcomed back to campus with open arms and infectious excitement for the year ahead. We especially want to thank the tireless efforts of Micheline Dutil, our faculty and staff, our partners at The Parent Company and Hastings, and our generous donors for the grand opening of the Wright Swift Lyle Building. It has brought so much joy to see this building come to life and be filled with learning, laughter, and community – the sounds and spirit of Harding Academy. THANK YOU. 

The Board also has had a productive start to the year, and I wanted to share a few important updates.

First, I am pleased to share that Conner Harris has been appointed by the Board as Chair of the Head of School Transition Committee. Ensuring the successful onboarding and transition of our incoming Head of School, Dr. Tim Boyd, next summer is one of the Board’s biggest priorities for the year, and we are thrilled that Conner is leading this effort. In the coming weeks, you can expect to hear more from Conner about the Transition Committee, which will include Board, faculty, staff, and parent representation, and about opportunities you will have to connect with Dr. Boyd during the upcoming year. Dr. Boyd is eager to get to know this community, and we are eager for you to get to know him.

Second, I wanted to provide an update about Board leadership and new trustees. It is my great pleasure to share that Caldwell Collins has been named President Elect of the Harding Academy Board of Trustees and will assume the role as Board President on July 1, 2026. Caldwell currently serves as General Counsel for the Board, as well as on the Governance, DEI and Finance Committees. Her dedication to Harding and our mission is inspiring and will be an asset for the Board. 

Additionally, this summer we welcomed two new Trustees to the Board. Mike Kuffner is Partner at Bass, Berry & Sims and is parent to Thomas (3rd grade) and John (3 years old), and he brings extensive background in corporate governance to the Board. Scott Tygard is a former Harding parent and current grandparent, and is the President of West Nashville Sports League (WNSL), bringing a deep knowledge of youth sports programs and community engagement to Harding. 

We have a lot on the horizon for the year ahead. In addition to our top priority of transitioning Dr. Boyd, the Board is advancing several strategic efforts, including:

We appreciate your support and commitment to Harding Academy.

Go Hawks,

Jeff Moats ‘94