Terri Burditt and Gregory Walsh, Interim Director and Associate Director of College Counseling, respectively, have decided to resign at the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Mrs. Burditt and Mr. Walsh notified the Dean of Academic Affairs Kathleen Wallace and the Dean of Faculty Stephen Farrell of their decision to retire from the school’s Office of College Counseling earlier this fall.

Their resignations come one year after the former Director of College Counseling, Rosita Fernandez-Rojo, resigned from her position; Mrs. Burditt was named Interim Director last spring. Mrs. Wallace began conducting a search for a new director late last term.

Mrs. Burditt and Mr. Walsh announced their resignations to students at the fifth form meeting on November 16. Mrs. Burditt commented on her resignation, saying, “After 18 years in the business [of college counseling], I’m ready for a new challenge.” She feels that, despite the resignation of two of its employees, the Office of College Counseling remains under good leadership. “Choate is very fortunate to have a group of seasoned professionals...the Office is in fine hands.”

The Office of College Counseling consists of six college counselors, including Mrs. Burditt, as Interim Director, and Mr. Walsh. They are Mr. David Olins, Ms. Linda Schulz, Ms. Tina Grant, and Mr. Matt Proto. Mrs. Wallace spoke with confidence of the school’s ability to attract outstanding candidates for these two positions and to hire excellent replacements for Mrs. Burditt and Mr. Walsh. She discussed the applicants for the job thus far, noting that “not all of [those who have submitted their CV for review] have experience in college counseling or college admissions. We’ll consider factors other than experience (in education); however, for us to consider someone a viable candidate, he or she must have experience on either side of college admissions.”

Mrs. Wallace also praised Mrs. Burditt and Mr. Walsh. “They’re terrific...but we need to respect their decision to explore other professional opportunities.”