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Katie Newsom, MSODL, is bringing 35 years of experience in education and youth development to her new role as Head of School for the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne.
The daughter of a World War II US Navy officer, Newsom has been a consultant for the school since October 2024, offering the Academy a vision and strategic plan.
“Consulting with the Academy Board, staff, parents, alumni, and students over the past few months gives me confidence in the Academy’s strong foundation, impressive history, and future potential,” said Newsom.
She has been in her new post since Feb. 3 and was appointed by the VFMA board of trustees.
Newsom talked about Valley Forge Military Academy’s potential as she laid out her vision for the school.
“I believe that the Academy can evolve to become a model boarding school where young men discover their untapped potential, strengthen their character and leadership skills, and become leaders of positive change in their communities and across the nation,” she said.
The trustees chose Newsom for her experience building strong and educationally relevant regional and national organizations.
The new Head of School has worked for 25 years with Outward Bound, an international network of outdoor education organizations that offer adventure-based learning.
Newsom grew up in several different countries as her father went on to become a highly respected career foreign service officer.
Her passion for experiential education came from her first-hand knowledge of diverse languages and cultures, graduating high school in Jakarta, Indonesia.
During her Outward Bounds career, Newsom helped shape and expand the organization across the United States and worldwide.
She served as executive director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, partnering with The National Audubon Society.
She led a $18.5 million capital campaign to create The Discovery Center in Philadelphia.
As Outward Bound’s Chief Advancement Officer, she rebuilt a national fundraising campaign for the organization.
Newsom also represented Outward Bound USA on Outward Bound International’s Operations Committee.
She has a BA from the University of Vermont and an MS from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
She also holds certificates in organizational leadership from The Wharton School and Harvard Business School.
Valley Forge Military Academy was founded in 1928 as a private independent college preparatory school for young men from 7th to 12 grades.
Its mission is to develop individuals to become citizen leaders, utilizing the Five Cornerstones of Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership.
The Valley Forge Military College is led by President Col. Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC(Ret). The private two-year college is committed to equipping young men and women to face life’s challenges and has been designated the Military College of Pennsylvania as well as a Pennsylvania National Guard-Friendly School.
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