Joe Coleman
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting our newest RG175 consultant, Joe Coleman. A native of Central Virginia, Joe is a product of independent schools having graduated from Woodberry Forest School before attending Princeton University where he graduated with a joint degree in Political Science and Economics. He later received a Certificate in Leadership Essentials from Cornell University.
With over 35 years in education, including 27 years in independent schools, Joe is a seasoned education professional with extensive experience in admissions, school administration, and recruitment. While Director of Admissions at Woodberry Forest School, Joe directed the implementation of an electronic inquiry, application, and enrollment system; further developed an active parent and alumni program to assist in admissions; and helped geographically, racially, and socio-economically diversify the student body. As Assistant Head of School, he turned his attention to matters of student life and worked to build a more inclusive student community by working with faculty and student organization leaders and developing a peer mentoring program.
Joe has spent the past four years working with schools on faculty recruitment and leading administrator searches, including Directors of Enrollment Management and Admissions. Joe has served on the boards of the Association of Boarding Schools and Abundant Life Ministries, a non-profit offering services to the Prospect neighborhood in Charlottesville, Virginia. He currently volunteers with Rise Richmond in their afterschool program.
Joe and his wife Mary are the proud parents of six daughters and one son and have 10 grandchildren. When he’s not in his office, Joe enjoys canoeing local rivers and lakes. To read Joe's entire bio, click here.
Why did you choose RG175?
Having previously been in the school search business, I am familiar with RG175 and the firm’s reputation for doing excellent work in helping schools find the right candidates for openings. I was also intrigued by the firm’s approach of not only finding the right candidate but working to ensure that the candidate has a successful transition to the new position. Having been in the independent school world for so many years, I know several of the search consultants, and they are good people who care about independent schools and the work they do preparing students.
What are you looking forward to most about being a consultant in a search?
Every search is unique. Every school community is unique, and every candidate is unique. I look forward to working to find the right person with the skill set and values to match a school community and its challenges.
What is most rewarding about serving as a mentor to a school administrator?
I am passionate about seeing schools and individuals thrive, and every new employment opportunity is a learning opportunity. My goal is to have people grow to meet the unique opportunities they face and in the process learn more about themselves.
What are some of your former achievements when you were a school administrator?
As Director of Admissions, I led a team that streamlined the admissions process by incorporating technology, increased all forms of diversity in the school’s student body, and better engaged parents and alumni in the admissions process. As Assistant Head I worked to make our school community more inclusive, particularly in my work with student leadership groups.
What are your thoughts on the search process?
A successful search is grounded in effective communication, both with the school and the candidates for the position. A search consultant is charged with learning the school’s culture and the needs of the position, and this knowledge is developed by meeting with and listening to school constituents. How do we know if a candidate is the right match for a position? A resume and education philosophy statement provides some insight, but we can add to our understanding by talking with them.
Why are you doing this? Concerned with leadership in independent schools?
I am doing this work because I’m a product of an independent school and know the transformative experience it provides students. This work is driven by the adults in the community who are skilled but also willing to share themselves with their students.