Thomas P. Olverson - 1997-2014

His successful efforts were recognized not only by the Rivers community, but also by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges whose accreditation committee visited Rivers in late 2013. In its final report, the visiting committee wrote that “Rivers lives its mission,” and that students exemplify the school motto: ‘Excellence with humanity.’ The 11 accreditation committee members saw “a collaborative and humane spirit that pervades the school,” and that “learning is championed” at Rivers.

The committee wrote, that, under the guidance of Mr. Olverson, “Rivers has not forgotten that the primary academic business of a school is the conversation between teacher and student.” The committee praised Mr. Olverson, writing that it “respects your leadership and profound affection for Rivers, both of which have had a transformative effect on this wonderful school during your tenure.”

In fact, during his years at Rivers, Mr. Olverson believed in and emphasized the importance of helping students live meaningful lives now and in the future. In his aptly named blog, ‘Inside the Head’s Head,’ Mr. Olverson wrote in late 2013, that the pursuit of excellence at Rivers is designed to strengthen a student’s character, not have him or her compete for the most prestigious jobs. “The pursuit of excellence is designed to help students find meaning in life, not just the ‘good life.’”

Mr. Olverson wrote in another 2013 blog entry that he liked to direct traffic in the morning at school because he liked to welcome the students each morning, and show them it’s okay to be themselves. He wrote that it’s okay to take risks, to pursue their passions, and become the person they want to become without worrying how others will perceive them. He concluded that by demonstrating it’s all right to be yourself, “the school creates the fertile ground that then allows our great teachers to work their magic---challenging, inspiring, and encouraging them.”

The school also enhanced support of its ‘talented and dedicated faculty.’ Mr. Olverson said that “In my ideal school, the adults make a difference by doing what they love to do and the school gives them the time, resources, and incentives to do outstanding work.” To that end, Mr. Olverson encouraged the establishment of a mentoring program for Rivers faculty, the Berwind Circle of Teachers and Mentors, which celebrates professional advancement.

He often challenged faculty to think outside the box and that the ‘best idea wins.’ That led to academic innovations including the interdisciplinary water project by sixth graders and senior electives on the Enlightenment and Game Theory.

Relying on his entrepreneurial and innovative skills, Mr. Olverson also guided Rivers to make changes. The school added student internships, interdisciplinary studies, a comprehensive advisory program, a leadership program, a Conservatory Program, and robotics.

He led the Rivers Board of Trustees to implement three strategic plans, complete with specific goals and steps for achieving those goals. During Mr. Olverson’s watch, the campus doubled in terms of building capacity and athletic fields.

Mr. Olverson’s accomplishments and contributions to the Rivers community can best be described by the man himself. In an interview in the Spring 2014 Riparian, he said, “In my ideal school, students are recognized for achieving excellence in any area, but more importantly, they are recognized for extraordinary effort in their pursuit of excellence. I want them to push harder than they ever have before, and I want them to love it.”

Mr. Olverson, who holds degrees from Duke University and the College of William and Mary, is doing consulting work since retiring from Rivers.