From Jim Baker, Board Chair at Durham Nativity School
The Durham Nativity School is pleased to announce the confirmation of Vince B. Vincent as the fourth Head of School, effective July 1, 2021. He will succeed Dr. Daniel Vannelle who has served our young men and their families since 2009.
Mr. Vincent was selected through a national search that resulted in interest from over 100 candidates in more than 20 states. DNS partnered with the educational leadership search firm, Carney, Sandoe & Associates, which presented a pool of highly qualified candidates who work in school leadership positions across the spectrum of education, including serving in independent, public, charter, and parochial settings. Mr. Vincent was the overwhelming first choice by the Search Committee, and the Board of Trustees unanimously concurred.
“There were two themes that stood out to the search committee from the feedback provided by community stakeholders,” said Search Committee Chair Brendan Moylan. “The first was that the next Head of School needed to be a dynamic role model to the young men and a positive influence in their lives like Dr. Vannelle has been. The second was the desire to shed light on all of the good work being done at the school and to refashion the school’s current reputation as ‘Durham’s best-kept secret’. In Mr. Vincent, we have found a leader who can continue to fulfill the vision of Dr. and Mrs. Moylan in a very different Durham.”
Mr. Vincent will join the Durham Nativity School from The Woodhall School, an all-boys boarding school in Bethlehem, CT, where he began as Dean of Students in 2016 and now serves as Associate Head of School. Woodhall, like Durham Nativity, is one generation removed from its founders, and as Associate Head, Mr. Vincent has fulfilled many of the responsibilities traditionally held by a Head of School. A former professional opera singer who has traveled the world and performed in front of thousands, Mr. Vincent is a highly energetic and engaging leader. Mr. Vincent graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Music and received a Master of Music degree from Yale University. He has also worked at the Millbrook School (NY), the School of Creative and Performing Arts (NY), and Oakwood Friends School (NY).
Reflecting upon his appointment, Mr. Vincent said, “I am humbled and grateful for the chance to serve and join the Durham Nativity School community. When I first learned about Durham Nativity School I was instantly drawn to the heart and soul of this vital and powerful mission. Now more than ever our world needs young men of character learning how to cultivate their moral compass, lean into fellowship with one another, embrace opportunity, delve into challenges, and pour into the communities that helped them gain success along the way. Durham Nativity School is a “best-kept secret” that fosters this journey, and I am excited to collaborate with the Durham Nativity School community helping it to reach new heights and become a well-known institution in Durham and beyond. My family and I look forward to meeting everyone in person and serving the fine gentlemen, families, and adults of Durham Nativity School for years to come!”
Mr. Vincent and his wife, Christina, have a 4-month-old son, Balderich. The family will reside in Durham and look forward to learning what it means to be “Bull City” proud.
I want to take a moment to recognize our Search Committee members and thank them for their commitment to this process: Polly Hardie (trustee), Rick Helfer (trustee), Jeanne Howard (trustee), Arthur Jimerson (staff), Mshinda Middleton-Brown (parent), Brendan Moylan (trustee), Marco Reyes (alumni/trustee), Harrison Shannon (trustee), Ruby Thompkins (trustee) and Roy Toston (alumni). I can personally attest to the countless hours of work and careful consideration of this group. This committee will now turn into the transition committee and will work with our consultants, Barbara Daush and Marsha Little, to make plans to ensure a smooth transition. I am deeply grateful to each member. I would also like to thank the parents, alumni, students, faculty, and staff who enriched our process by giving their time and insights during Mr. Vincent’s virtual visit.
In Mr. Vincent, we have found an inspiring leader who embodies the mission of Durham Nativity School. We are confident that the Durham Nativity School will thrive under Mr. Vincent’s leadership in the years ahead. Please join me in welcoming him to our community.