When Cathy McGehee, Foxcroft School's new head of school says she feels her life has been connected to the exceptional school and its former headmistress, Mary Louise Leipheimer, for a very long time, one can immediately tell how well Foxcroft's mission and history and her goals and beliefs run on parallel philosophical tracks.

"I'm so excited to be here," she explains, "… to continue the exceptional, historic work of this wonderful academic institution as it opens its second century."

When Mary Louise Leipheimer announced Cathy's appointment, she made her confidence in the appointment clear. And the Chair of the School's Board of Trustees Reggie Groves concurred when he said:

"What a pleasure and honor it is to announce Cathy as our next head of school. As an individual and as an educator, Cathy holds the qualities and skills that the Board, the Search Committee, and the Foxcroft community feel are essential to successfully lead the School at this critical juncture."

"I am humbled and honored to serve as Foxcroft's Head of School as the School embarks on this exciting chapter in its history," said McGehee. "I look forward to working with the community to create a vision for the second century and to help young women from around the world realize their educational, professional, and vocational goals."

"I have some big shoes to fill as Mary Lou has served as an incredible role model of wisdom and leadership. I will rely on all of you to guide me!"

McGehee is also passionate about the impact Foxcroft girls can have on the world.

"One of my roles will be to inspire our young women to advocate for other girls who have not had the same opportunities," she emphasized. "In that way, we will all make important contributions to the world."

In her remarks to students on the first day of classes at Foxcroft, McGehee issued a challenge: "I challenge us all to think of the work of learning as an incredible privilege. I ask us to start each day with gratitude in our hearts for the opportunity as women to be anything we want to be and for access to an education to make our dreams a reality."

"As we start the academic year, it's inspiring to think that one girl can take action and effect positive change. Malala Yousafzai, who wrote the book, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, is a worthy role model for us as she stood up for what she believed in and inspired the world to help girls everywhere have access to an education. Imagine that you, too, can make a difference through your advocacy."

"One of my favorite quotations is from Malala. She said, "Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world."

A native Virginian, McGehee has spent the past 18 years at St. Catherine's School in Richmond. Before being named Director of the Upper School in 2006, she served as chair of the School's English Department (K12) and taught English in the Upper School. Previously, McGehee taught English in Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and Burnsville, MN, and at Fluvanna County High School in Palmyra, VA. She also has been a frequent presenter at independent school conferences, including the National Coalition of Girls Schools and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and has lectured at the University of Richmond.

McGehee holds a Bachelor of Science in English from Vanderbilt University and master's degrees in English and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the College of William and Mary and the University of Richmond, respectively. McGehee is married to Dr. Read McGehee III, an ophthalmologist, and has two daughters, Eliza, a Vanderbilt graduate currently pursuing a master's at James Madison University, and Jane, a sophomore at Davidson College.

Over 100 years ago, Foxcroft's founder championed a more authentic way for girls to learn. Today, the new head of school hopes to provide an education that is "real and relevant and fun."

Near the dawn of the 20th century, Miss Charlotte embraced several very 21st-century approaches to education that, along with the outstanding college preparatory academics, continue to make Foxcroft's program unique.

"In an era when women were to be seen and not heard, Miss Charlotte helped girls find their voices and enjoy healthy competition through beloved traditions."

"Today's Foxcroft women, students and alumna, are confident and spirited leaders who help shape the world and give back to their communities. It will be my great pleasure to ensure that those traditions continue and thrive."