The Investiture of C. Prentice Stabler
Last night was a beautiful representation of a new chapter in the life of the School with the formal investiture of Prentice Stabler. In the spirit of "Forward Together," Ensworth introduced its newest tradition to the community.
The Investiture of Prentice Stabler
The Ensworth School celebrated the investiture of C. Prentice Stabler, its eighth Head of School, on Thursday, January 19, at the Frist Campus. This formal observance included a keynote address from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. It brought together the Ensworth community to confer Stabler with the authority of the Head of School and celebrated the future of the school under his leadership. The event included an academic procession with Ensworth faculty members and the Board of Trustees, student speeches and performances, and other presentations from members of the Ensworth community.
Ensworth Board of Trustees President Will Morrow shares, “We are excited to celebrate Prentice Stabler, a purpose-driven leader who is guiding Ensworth into a new and promising era of excellence. It is meaningful to all of us to mark this important milestone while giving Prentice the opportunity to share his vision for Ensworth with a united community. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, as our keynote speaker, as our institutions share alignment in our educational values.”
A New Tradition
Ensworth chose the investiture ceremony to formally recognize and celebrate the transition of leadership within the school community and served as a way for the school community, including staff, students, parents, and alumni, to come together and officially welcome the new Head of School. Established as a new tradition at Ensworth, the formal investiture serves as a way to create a sense of continuity and stability and demonstrate the Board's confidence in the new leader. It also serves as a public demonstration of the school's commitment to its mission, values, and future direction.
“I'm deeply honored to serve as Ensworth's eighth Head of School,” said Stabler. “Ensworth's strength today is a result of the work of generations of faculty, staff, and families. I am eager to build upon our history and traditions, continuing to develop Ensworth as a dynamic community of learners and a national leader in K-12, co-ed education.”
Investiture ceremonies are among the oldest traditions in academia. Such observances began in English universities, modeled after highly dignified knighthood ceremonies. In an academic context, the word has come to mean one who will don the institution’s logo and insignia.
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Red Gables Campus (K–8)
Frist Campus (9–12)
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.