Saint Mary’s School names Patricia Sasser new assistant head of school

Ms. Sasser was introduced to the school’s board of trustees last week and to the students at an all-school assembly, Thursday, Feb. 17.

“Ms. Sasser’s resume, alone, stood out among many others, and it was in meeting her that I was convinced that she was the right person to fill this important role at Saint Mary’s," says Carol. “Her experience and knowledge of how girls learn and lead fit perfectly with Saint Mary’s mission to prepare girls for college and life.”

Ms. Sasser spent two days on the Saint Mary’s campus in January meeting students, faculty, and staff, and is excited to join the Saint Mary’s community.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next assistant head of school at Saint Mary’s,” says Ms. Sasser. “Returning to an all-girls boarding and day school is like coming home for me. When I visited campus last month, I felt a true sense of community and knew it was the right place for me and my family. I am excited to join such a dedicated faculty and staff who are as invested in girls’ education as I am and who are authentic in living the mission of the school. I am eager to get started and to get to know the Saint Mary’s community—the students, faculty, staff, and families.”

Ms. Sasser currently serves as the Head of the Upper School at the Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Florida.

She worked previously at the Loomis Chaffee School as a dean of students and was heavily involved in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the school. Prior to Loomis Chaffee, Patricia worked at The Madeira School in several roles, including as a major gifts officer, director of student activities, special assistant to the head of school on diversity, and the assistant dean of students for residential life. Before transitioning into education, Ms. Sasser worked at ESPN as an associate producer, where she was a two-time Emmy® nominee and a 2006 Emmy® award winner.

Ms. Sasser is a member of the South Miami Chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc., and the Junior League of Miami. She formerly served on the Grace Academy of Hartford, Arts for Learning Connecticut, and UVA Young Alumni Boards. She also served on the Association of Junior Leagues International’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, as well as chaired the Junior League of Hartford’s first Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Originally from Washington, D.C., as the daughter of a U.S. Foreign Service mom and Nigerian dad, Ms. Sasser spent her elementary and middle school years living overseas in Nigeria, Haiti, and Niger. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and in African American studies. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University.

Ms. Sasser enjoys playing volleyball, reading, traveling, and going to the movies. She will move to campus with her husband and son.

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About Saint Mary’s School: Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an innovative independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for girls in grades 9-12. Founded in 1842, the school’s historic, residential 23-acre campus is located in the heart of North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh. With a mission to prepare girls for college and life, Saint Mary’s immerses girls in a dynamic learning environment offering both hands-on classroom learning and opportunities for real-world experiences. Graduates leave Saint Mary’s prepared to flourish in college, continue a path of servant leadership, take on future challenges, and lead with purpose. Saint Mary's School inspires girls to step outside their comfort zones, engage their minds, amplify their voices, and discover who they are and who they want to become. For more information, visit www.sms.edu.