Sussex Academy has announced the appointment of Eric M. Anderson as executive director, effective Sunday, July 1. Anderson will succeed Dr. Patricia S. Oliphant, who will be retiring following 16 years of devoted and extraordinary service to Sussex Academy.

Anderson brings strong instructional leadership with a broad range of knowledge on how to differentiate and deliver quality instruction for all students. He strongly believes in the importance of supporting teachers and providing opportunities for them to further develop their professional prowess. While Anderson acknowledges academics as the primary focus, he believes well-rounded students who balance academics, athletics, clubs, service and personal growth will be best positioned to succeed.

"We would not have been successful in choosing an executive director without the involvement of everyone in our community – faculty, staff, students, parents and board members," said Executive Board President Susie Mitchell. "Guided by Lead Your Way Solutions, an experienced management consulting and executive search company, we found a superstar in Mr. Anderson. He has tremendous passion for education and a strong commitment to developing well-rounded students with a global perspective. He will carry on the tremendous successes of Dr. Oliphant, and continue to strengthen the vision and mission of Sussex Academy. We feel very fortunate to have him joining our community."

Anderson currently serves as vice president at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he oversees 970 students, and 60 faculty and staff. Prior to this role, Anderson spent eight years as a math teacher at CSW and Christiana High School. He is currently the treasurer of the Delaware Charter School Network and has served as president for both the Delaware Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Christina Board of Education. A Delaware native, Anderson is currently working on his doctorate in education at Wilmington University.

"I am extremely honored and excited to have been selected to serve as the executive director of Sussex Academy," said Anderson. "From the beginning of this process, I felt incredible energy from everyone I met, and I am excited about moving to Sussex County to start this next chapter. I am confident that with the support of the entire Sussex Academy community, we will plan and collectively forge our way to an unimaginable future. Building upon the great success of Dr. Oliphant, the possibilities are endless."

During her 16-year tenure as director, Oliphant has led the school from its initial inception as a middle school, to an academic institution that now includes a high school with its first graduating class in 2017. In addition, she has been instrumental in leading the charge to expand the facilities, add athletic fields and grow the student population to over 750 with more than 60 faculty and staff.

"We are forever grateful to Dr. Oliphant for her tremendous dedication and her inspirational vision," said Mitchell. "The success of Sussex Academy is the direct result of Dr. Oliphant's time, commitment and perseverance. We have been fortunate to have her leadership."

Sussex Academy is a public charter, tuition-free school centrally located in Georgetown. Serving sixth- through 12th-grade students, the school practices a project-based learning approach, and all 11th- and 12th-grade students participate in the International Baccalaureate program. For more information, go to www.sussexacademy.org.