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Shipley Announces Next Director of Enrollment

Dear Shipley Community,

After an extensive national search, I am delighted to announce that Rafhia Foster will be Shipley’s next Director of Enrollment. Rafhia enjoyed broad support across all constituencies and thanks to everyone who made her feel so welcomed during her recent campus visit.

Rafhia brings to Shipley an intimate knowledge of, and extensive network within some of the region’s finest educational institutions. She currently serves as the Graduate Admissions Counselor for the Masters of Computer and Information Technology at The University of Pennsylvania. Prior to Penn, Rafhia was the Director of Admissions/Enrollment Management and Cultural Competencies at Girard College. Over her long career, she has served as Admissions Director at St. Peter’s School, Associate Director of Admissions at Haverford School, and an Admissions and Diversity Associate at William Penn Charter School. She is a past Board Member at The Community Partnership School in Philadelphia and the Alumna Board of her alma mater, Agnes Irwin School. Rafhia holds a BA in Psychology from Wesleyan University and has done graduate work in nonprofit management and marketing at the New School University and West Virginia University. 

Rafhia possesses a rich understanding of the independent school landscape and the Philadelphia market. Combined with her data-informed approach to modeling and managing enrollment, Rafhia is primed to help Shipley maintain its strong position as well as identify new opportunities. Moreover, I expect Rafhia’s infectious optimism and generous spirit will help her quickly become a powerful leader of our enrollment/admissions team and an integral part of the Shipley community.

Rafhia is looking forward to joining the Shipley community. She said: “It is an honor to be selected as the next Director of Enrollment. I know that I am joining a wonderful community that understands the importance of creating and sustaining relationships to benefit all students. I look forward to working to further elevate Shipley’s reputation among prospective students, parents, and community organizations. It is clear that Shipley has a unique strength in appreciating the individual gifts of each student, while challenging them to share those gifts through compassionate participation in the world. 

I look forward to hearing more of your stories about why Shipley is such a special school, and am eager to work alongside all of the experienced and dedicated staff who model Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing.”

I am deeply grateful to our Search Advisory Committee and everyone who participated in the search. During her visit to Shipley, Rafhia met with students, teaching colleagues, administrators, and parents. While community feedback on Rafhia’s visit was strong, what stood out were the comments of those who had the opportunity to interact with her.
 
Rafhia clearly felt the warmth and commitment of the Shipley community and she is looking forward to joining us this summer. Please join me in welcoming Rafhia Foster to the Shipley community.
 

Michael G. Turner
Head of School
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.