Reflection on the VAIS ResLife Roundtable at the Miller School of Albemarle

Our visit to the Miller School of Albemarle for the VAIS ResLife Roundtable was not just another event. It was a unique and inspiring experience that brought together professionals from across the state, all with a shared purpose: creating meaningful, supportive, and growth-oriented living and learning communities. This was a valuable opportunity to step beyond our own campus and engage in thoughtful conversations with colleagues from across the Commonwealth about how student well-being, belonging, and leadership are cultivated within residential life programs.

Each discussion at the roundtable not only highlighted shared challenges but also presented innovative approaches. From cultivating joy and engagement in dorm communities to strengthening faculty support and celebrating student voice, we gained valuable insights. Hearing how other schools structure their programs and student experience encouraged us to reflect critically on our own practices at Chatham Hall and consider new ways we might continue to evolve and grow.

Throughout the day, we were reminded that one of the greatest strengths of the boarding school experience lies in the relationships formed between students and the faculty who guide and support them. Each school represented at the conference offered unique perspectives and creative solutions, and the spirit of collaboration underscored how much we can learn from one another.

Beyond the professional exchange, the roundtable reaffirmed the strong sense of connection within the Virginia boarding school network. There was a genuine spirit of openness, generosity, and shared purpose as we discussed the central role that living and learning in the same environment plays in the lives of students and the unique impact that boarding has on their lives. 

At Chatham Hall, this work is reflected daily, whether during study hall, in the dorms, over weekend activities, or during evening check-ins. These moments define our immersive living and learning community and help our students grow into resilient, empathetic, and confident young people ready to live lives of impact.

As we left the roundtable, Ms. Beyer and I were not just inspired, but also affirmed in our shared goal. We were reminded that while each school’s approach is unique, we all share a common goal: helping students feel known, supported, and empowered to thrive.