Deirdre Ling
Deirdre Ling is a woman of firsts: first Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Development at UMass Amherst; first woman and person of color as Head of Middlesex School; and first place in most game nights. (She’s a Bronze Life Master in Duplicate Bridge.)
For Deirdre, being first isn’t about being the “best” — it’s about opening up possibilities for others. Growing up bicultural in America in the 40’s and 50’s and coming of age in the 60’s, Deirdre is an ardent feminist with a deep and abiding commitment to social justice. She has been referred to as a ‘pathbreaker’— someone who is always seeking new ways to knowledge, equity, and inclusivity.
Fun, intuitive, loyal, adventurous, and quick on her feet, Deirdre is dogged in her pursuit to get it right for her clients. She considers herself a cross between cultural anthropologist and a matchmaker. She finds deep satisfaction in listening intently to stakeholders; identifying what they most value; and then helping them find the right leader to move them forward.
CV
Professional Experience
- Educators’ Collaborative, Partner, 2003 – present
- Middlesex School, MA; Head of School, 1990 – 2003
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Development, 1983 – 1990; Assistant Chancellor, 1982 – 1983; Dean of Academic Support Services, 1981 – 1982; Dean of Admissions, 1979 – 1981; Director of Freshman Admissions, 1978 – 1979
- State University of New York at Stony Brook; Assistant Director of Admissions, 1974 – 1978
- Western Michigan University; Admissions Counselor, 1973 – 1974
Education
- University of Rochester, B.A. Philosophy, cum laude, 1965
- University of Rhode Island, M.A., English, 1968
- Tufts University, Teaching Assistant, Ph.D. English, 1976
- Klingenstein Visiting Fellow, Teachers College, Columbia University, 1996
Professional Affiliations
- The Louis August Jonas Foundation, 2009 – 2014
- Headmaster’s Association, 1993 – present
- Head Mistresses Association of the East, 1990 – present
- National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls, 1990 – present
- Falmouth Academy; Board of Trustees; 2003 – 2009
- Fay School; Board of Trustees; 2003 – 2009
- Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; Board of Trustees; 1993 – 2003
- Educational Records Bureau, Board of Trustees, 1996 – 2003
- Emerson Hospital, Board of Trustees, 1996 – 2003
- NEASC, Commission on Independent Schools, 1994 – 1995
- AISNE, Board of Trustees, 1992 – 1995
- The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Board of Directors, 2007 – 2010
- The College Board, 1983 – 1987