Henry Broaddus, William & Mary’s vice president for strategic initiatives and public affairs, has been named the next president of the Episcopal Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia (CSDV).
In this new role, Broaddus will be responsible for guiding one of the largest Episcopal Church institutions in the United States in collaboration with the leaders of each of the six schools that comprise CSDV. Almost 4,000 students attend the schools, which are pluralistic communities serving students of all backgrounds and faiths. Each school has its distinct identity and mission within the broader context of unity as Episcopal Schools through CSDV.
“For more than two decades, William & Mary has benefited from Henry Broaddus’ dedication and creativity,” said President Katherine A. Rowe. “He is a brilliant thinker and trusted colleague, whose impact has been felt in so many arenas. Under his deft guidance, William & Mary has elevated our admissions and national profile, expanded our positive impact in our region, and significantly advanced sustainability. We will continue to reap the benefits of his service-minded leadership well into the future.
“Henry’s entrepreneurial spirit, partnership, and warmth will be missed greatly at William & Mary. We are enormously proud of him, and we’re excited to see the broad impact President-elect Broaddus will have on so many young people across Virginia in this new, important role.”
Broaddus’ last day at the university will be May 31, 2022. In the coming weeks, Rowe added, she will be consulting with campus leaders on next steps for the vice president for strategy role, with the aim of opening a national search this spring.
Over the course of his 21 years at William & Mary, Broaddus has led the undergraduate admission and financial aid offices, guided strategic planning and overseen communications, economic development, government relations, marketing and sustainability efforts. His work has contributed to increased access for more diverse groups of applicants, the expansion of opportunities in entrepreneurship for students, enhanced operational efficiencies across the university and W&M’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality.
“I am so grateful for my time at William & Mary and for the many partners across the university with whom I’ve had the privilege of collaborating,” said Broaddus. “My experiences here have prepared me for this incredible opportunity with CSDV. I will be green and gold forever, even as I turn with great excitement to this next chapter.”
As president of CSDV, Broaddus will lead the organization that owns and operates six schools, including Christchurch, St. Catherine’s, St. Christopher’s, St. Margaret’s, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes and Stuart Hall. He will be a trustee of CSDV and serve on each school’s Board of Governors.
CSDV Trustee Chair, the Reverend Edward Miller, said Broaddus was selected after a nationwide search that included immensely talented and distinguished candidates.
“We learned quickly what William & Mary has known for years – Henry Broaddus is a creative and strategic thinker grounded in a deep understanding of the broader purpose of education and important operational aspects that make a school successful in this challenging era,” Miller said. “With roots in Virginia and in the Episcopal tradition, he is above all a relationship-builder who thrives on lively interaction with colleagues and encourages others to use their talents for the benefit of all. We knew the magnitude of the challenge to lure Henry away from an institution he loves and that we hold in high regard.
“We are so grateful that he comes to us with the experience he has had at William & Mary, and we look forward to his arrival at CSDV.”
Broaddus started at W&M in 2001 as a senior assistant dean of admission. He worked his way up through the office, eventually becoming dean of admission in 2005 and then associate provost for enrollment in 2010. Four years later, he became the vice president for strategic initiatives and public affairs, initially overseeing the offices of economic development and business innovation, government relations, sustainability and university communications. Enrollment was moved under his purview in 2019, as was university marketing in 2021.
During his time at William & Mary, Broaddus has led significant efforts to increase access to the university for a wider pool of applicants. Through his work, William & Mary established a partnership with The Posse Foundation to provide scholarships to diverse cohorts of students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college. In 2021, W&M became the first university to enroll Posse Scholars from Virginia high schools. Broaddus also led the university’s efforts to offer opportunities for spring-semester enrollment via Verto Education, which provides waitlisted applicants a guaranteed pathway to the university if they complete a gap semester abroad with the company.
Under his leadership as dean of admission and associate provost, the Office of Undergraduate Admission received national recognition for its student recruitment efforts and related marketing materials, including a YouTube video he wrote in 2008 about application essays that received more than 100,000 views. Broaddus has also shared his knowledge on the national stage as a guest blogger for The Washington Post.
While at W&M, Broaddus has helmed multiple leadership groups, including the Business Innovation Steering Committee and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, both of which he co-chaired with former provost Michael Halleran. Broaddus chaired the University-Wide Communication Steering Group from 2014 to 2019 and currently chairs the university’s Selection Committee for Strategic Partners for Continuing and Online Education.
Former William & Mary President Taylor Reveley said Broaddus is uniquely qualified to lead CSDV. Reveley currently serves on the Board of Governors for St. Catherine’s and previously was a member of the St. Christopher’s Board.
“I know from years of seeing the extraordinary Broaddus in action, Henry is a leader of rare and wonderful ability,” said Reveley. “He grasps complex issues quickly and makes wise, timely decisions. He knows how to communicate effectively, whether in writing or while standing on his hind legs. Hard work and difficult circumstances do not faze him. Throughout, he has empathy for his fellow mortals of a sort that commands their confidence, respect and affection. So endowed, Henry has served William & Mary splendidly. He has cared about what makes W&M unique. The Tribe will always have a place in his heart. Now, he goes to meet new challenges and opportunities, with our warmest thanks and blessings.”
In addition to his service to William & Mary, Broaddus has been an active member of his professional and local communities. He served as a member of the College Board’s National College Planning Advisory Board and was a member of the leadership committee for the Overseas Schools Project, a joint venture of the U.S. Department of State and the College Board. In 2015, he received an honorary lifetime membership in the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling for outstanding contributions to the college admission profession.
Broaddus is currently a board member for Walsingham Academy and previously served on the board of the Virginia Conservation Network. He was appointed by the governor to the Virginia Scenic Rivers Advisory Board in 2003 and served until 2012. In 2019, he won “Dancing with the Williamsburg Stars,” a dance competition benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters and Literacy for Life. In 2021, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce included him among its “15 under 50” list of top business and civic leaders in the region, and the Chesterfield County Education Foundation presented him with its Bravo! award for accomplished alumni of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Prior to his time at William & Mary, Broaddus served as an assistant director of admissions for Dartmouth College, where he had received his undergraduate degree in English literature and creative writing.
Erin Jay, Senior Associate Director of University News