Phillips Exeter Academy

08/18/2026

Exonians have long been challenged to leave their mark on the Academy — and some have taken that charge more literally than others.

Generations of initials and graffiti — some sanctioned, some not — adorn campus. Is your brand still here? Where did you scrawl your name, initials, class year, wisdom, etc., before you left?

Let us know the tale behind your handiwork, and we just may share it in an upcoming issue of The Exeter Bulletin.

08/13/2026

Experience The Exeter Bulletin online better than ever before!

Today, we’re introducing a reimagined digital experience of our quarterly magazine built specifically for how you want to read, watch and listen.

Beyond the classic stories you love, the new digital edition lets you:

- Read and submit letters, photos and videos to Class News & Notes (yes, Class Notes online!)

- Listen to audio versions of featured stories on the go.

- Watch embedded video content that brings stories to life.

Rest assured, the print edition isn’t going anywhere. This upgraded digital experience is simply an enhanced way to stay connected to the Academy and each other.

See more: bulletin.exeter.edu

08/01/2026

August.

07/01/2026

Principal Jenny Elliott is officially on the job, beginning her tenure as Exeter's 17th principal with the typical first-day whirlwind of meetings, greetings and even a face-to-face with John Phillips himself.

When Kristyn Van Ostern '96, president of the Trustees, announced Elliott's appointment in November, she cited “a combination of qualities that are difficult to find in one person” and called her "a leader who listens deeply, collaborates naturally and brings clarity and focus to complex challenges."

Welcome, Principal Elliott. We are thrilled to have you at Exeter.

05/28/2026

Nine esteemed members of the Academy faculty who collectively have provided more than three centuries of service to Exeter are retiring this spring. Their impact is immeasurable.

Hilary Hall, Instructor in Physical Education, 1983
Duncan Holcomb, Instructor in English, 2004
David Hudson, Instructor in Physical Education, 1982 and 1999
William Jordan, Instructor in History, 1997
Paul Langford, Instructor in Classical Languages, 1985
Christopher Matlack, Instructor in Science, 1984 and 1989
Brad Robinson, Instructor in Science, 1988
Mark Trafton, Instructor in Modern Languages, 1987
Tatiana Waterman, Instructor in Science, 2004

As we get ready to bid farewell to this all-star roster of instructors and contemplate just how to fill the void they leave, please help us wish them well in the comments with a favorite memory. 👇

05/26/2026

Hearty congratulations to Dake Kang '11, part of a reporting team with The Associated Press honored this month with a Pulitzer Prize in international reporting. Kang covers Chinese politics, technology and society from Beijing for The AP.

The judges cited the team's "astonishing global investigation into state-of-the-art tools of mass surveillance, created in Silicon Valley, advanced in China and spreading worldwide before returning to America for secret new uses by the U.S. Border Patrol."

05/21/2026

Aubry Bracco '04 is the Sole Survivor!

Taking all the wisdom gained from three previous appearances on the show, Aubry was voted the winner of "Survivor 50" on Wednesday night to claim a record $2 million prize.

In a 2019 interview, she told The Exeter Bulletin that she tapped into her experiences as a student at the Academy as she endured the highs and lows of the game:

"I knew the second [Principal] Ty Tingley handed me my diploma: There’s no time to dwell on a bad day, and there’s certainly no time to complain. For every terrible performance trying to explain Alex in the Desert to a math class, there are three more chemistry tests to get through before winter thaw. 'Survivor' wasn’t very much unlike the roller coaster that was Exeter.

"But Exeter taught me that when my logic tells me the tank is empty, it is not. When it feels like a relationship or conversation around the Harkness table can’t possibly take another turn, it will. Commit. Persevere. Move forward with moxie and doors will open to places you never thought possible."

The 39-year-old earned a $2 million prize and the title of "sole survivor."

05/15/2026

Jan Woodford served Exeter’s alumni and school community for decades, earning more honorary class years than anyone in the Academy’s history. Friday, the Academy community repaid some of that kindness, honoring her with the 2026 Founders’ Day Award, given annually in recognition of longtime service to the Academy. Congratulations, Jan!

Jan Woodford served Exeter’s alumni and school community for decades, earning more honorary class years than anyone in the Academy’s history.

05/12/2026

What began in 1970 as a way to attract students to church, then evolved into an outlet for faculty stories about their travels is now an Exeter institution powered largely by students.

Meditation, as it has come to be known, invites the Academy to gather, to listen and to connect with a personal essay written and read by a member of our community each Wednesday in Phillips Church and Multifaith Center.

In the fall, faculty and staff speakers share reflections. As we progress through winter and into spring term, we pivot to hear from members of the senior class.

Did you deliver a meditation as a student? Do you remember listening to one particularly meaningful to you? Share your memories here and we might include them in an upcoming issue of The Exeter Bulletin!

05/06/2026

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we took to the paths to have Exonians shout out their favorite instructors.

Have a favorite of your own, past or present? Give them a shout out in the comments! 💬🙌