In early December, Head of School Dr. Merry Sorrells (C’79) announced her plans to retire as Principia’s Head of School in June 2026. In light of this news, the School is excited to announce the next Head of School will be Terry Grigsby (US’97, C’01).
To support this transition, Terry will become Associate Head of School as of July 1, 2025, with Merry remaining Head of School through the 2025–2026 year. Terry will step into the Head of School role on July 1, 2026, and Merry will maintain a consulting role for the 2026–2027 academic year to continue supporting a seamless transition.
“We are deeply grateful for Merry’s dedication to Principia and her vision for the School,” says Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell (HON‘22). “We are fortunate to have Merry’s extensive experience, clarity of vision, and effective leadership continuing to bless the School as we prepare for Terry to step in and take on the Head of School leadership role. Terry brings strong leadership skills and proven expertise in management and systems, as well as exceptional strength of character, a drive for learning, and a demonstrated devotion to Principia.”
Terry was a finalist in the Head of School search that took place in 2021. Since August 2022, Terry has been serving as Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Residential Life, ably overseeing remarkable growth and progress in admissions, as well as reorganizing and strengthening our boarding program as it consolidated from two dorms into one and began reimagining the future. For the past two and a half years, he has also overseen the international student program and student care department at the School.
During his 20-year career in the United States Navy, Terry served in a wide range of positions around the globe, developing strong leadership skills in dynamic and complex organizational settings. In addition to his undergraduate degree in business administration from Principia College, Terry has earned two master’s degrees, one in procurement and acquisition management from Webster University and the other in national security and strategic studies (foreign affairs) from the United States Naval War College.
The continuity provided by this leadership transition plan allows the School to continue building on the remarkable momentum that Merry and others have helped facilitate. “Terry has my full support as well as the support of the Board of Trustees, which ratified this appointment,” said Barbara. “I look forward to seeing Terry in his expanded role over the coming years.”
Merry expressed her deep gratitude for this community, stating, “My time with Principia has been incredibly special, and I’ve loved seeing us all grow in L.O.V.E. I look forward to partnering with Terry in the coming years and know I will leave the School in more than capable hands.”