Campus life is 24/7 at Chatham Hall, offering students an environment and community that encourages you to try new things, take a few risks, learn from your mistakes, and step into your power.
From our classrooms to our playing fields, the dining hall to the study hall, and on a variety of off campus trips, our students and faculty get to develop relationships that go far beyond those fostered in a typical school setting. By simply seeing each other in a variety of situations our community members get to experience all sides of each other and forge bonds generated by late night discussions, early morning runs, quick trips to shopping centers, or conversations on the athletics or airport shuttle. As a boarding school, our time together is truly nonstop so there’s always a next adventure to be had!
List of 3 items.
Advisory
Every Chatham Hall student has a faculty Advisor who is the primary contact for you and your family. Your Advisor is your advocate and liaison between you and your parents, teachers, and administrators. Advisory groups are often made up of students from different grades and dorms, and present you with an instant family when you arrive on campus. Advisories meet several times each week for meals and check-ins, and take off-campus outings multiple times a year.
Student Spaces
Our students enjoy a variety of spaces to call their own, many located on the lower level of Dabney Hall. This is our student center, home to every essential including the School Store, Snack Bar, Fitness Center, Mail Room, Multifaith Room, Viewing Room, and Student Kitchen. Also on this floor is the Niche, the students commons which is newly redecorated with modern, comfortable furniture, and a popular space for students to hang out in between classes or in the evenings.
Fitness Center & Trail
An important wellness asset, the Fitness Center is open for you whenever you want to get a workout in. In addition to cardio equipment, you can use weights, medicine balls, and more. When you want to get some fresh air, you can head outside to the Fitness Trail, a mile loop through the woods which takes you past our perennially popular Bamboo Forest, or other paths on campus.
After nearly a decade of experience in student affairs, Josh Doyon joined Chatham Hall in 2022 as dean of students. With a degree in history from Saint Michael’s College and master's degrees from both Boise State University and the University of Pennsylvania, he brings extensive teaching, coaching, dorm advising, and leadership experience in independent schools. A huge fan of all things outdoors, Josh lives on campus with his wife, Director of Riding Ally Doyon, and two daughters.
Kate Branciforte
Assoc. Director of Residential Life; Student Activities Coordinator; Lead Dorm Advisor; Coach
Student Activities Coordinator Kate Branciforte joined the Chatham Hall community in 2021. Kate has held positions has St. Margaret’s School and the Loomis Chaffee School in addition to spending numerous years working with children as a lifeguard and camp counselor. A University of Rhode Island graduate, she loves being outside, especially in the water, and is looking forward to planning activities for the students.
Sheppard "Shep" Morrison
Latin Teacher; Keeper of Traditions; Assoc. Director of Residential Life; Dorm Advisor
At Chatham Hall since 2002, Sheppard "Shep" Morrison has an A.B. in classics with a concentration in theatre from Randolph-Macon Woman's College. She has taught in many settings including a Montessori Stepping Stones program, private day schools, and adult education in theatre. Shep also has taught middle and high school history, English, computer skills, journalism, and Latin classes and has worked as a paraprofessional reference librarian.
Frankie Beyer
Asst. Director of Riding; Asst. Director of Community Life & Wellbeing
Frankie Beyer came to Chatham Hall in 2015. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and certificate in equine studies. As a student, Frankie rode on the hunt seat show team for two years, and was president of the Riding Council her senior year. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in counseling from Wake Forest University and expects to graduate in spring 2023. On campus, she loves working with our diverse student body and walking her dog Stuart around campus.