Mercersburg Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Conklin as dean of enrollment management and college counseling.
 
Previously, Conklin served as dean of college counseling and outcomes. In his new role, Conklin will oversee admission, enrollment management, and college counseling.

“In the time I’ve been at Mercersburg Academy, I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly in the transformational power of a boarding school education,” said Conklin. “I’m excited to continue sharing the many stories and traditions that make our school community so special, and to welcoming the next generation of Mercersburg students.”

Conklin initially came to Mercersburg in 2011 as an associate director of admission and financial aid after working in admission at the University of Rochester. He has previously served as the school’s head boys varsity lacrosse coach, and he lives on campus with his wife Cally and two children.

“I am most looking forward to the opportunity to create alignment in the purpose, policies, and practices of our respective departments,” said Conklin, who joined Mercersburg’s Office of College Counseling as an associate director in 2015 before assuming the role of director in 2019. “Enrollment and college counseling are inextricably linked. With shared leadership, we can both anticipate and learn from the successes and challenges faced by each department in our effort to support our school’s mission and vision, as well as our students’ continued success.”

When Conklin made the move from director of college counseling to dean of college counseling and outcomes, Vicki Thompson moved into the role of director. With Conklin’s latest move, Thompson will maintain her role as director of college counseling, assuming more oversight of the day-to-day office operations.

“I look forward to continuing to lead a very experienced team of professionals in the college counseling office,” said Thompson, former dean of college counseling at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis who joined Mercersburg in 2021 as a senior associate director of college counseling. “We will continue to expand on our offerings by adding another college fair opportunity in the spring; continue our travel college tour in the summer; and deliver programming in a targeted and developmentally appropriate way.”

“With its exceptional academic programming, dedicated faculty and staff, and incomparable campus, Mercersburg is uniquely positioned to be the boarding school of choice in the Mid-Atlantic,” Conklin added. “We remain committed to recruiting, enrolling, and supporting diverse and highly qualified students from all over the world.”