Julia McIlvaine '05

The Academy recently appointed Jan Rudolf Flaska to be the new dean of spiritual and ethical life. More than fifty applications were received for this job. "It was a really competitive process to get to him," claimed Assistant Dean of Faculty Wanda Henry, "but everyone on the faculty [who met him really liked him."

According to Headmaster Eric Widmer, Mr. Flaska and his wife, Jill MacKay bring "formidable strengths to Deerfield."

Mr. Flaska graduated from Choate in 1992 and went on to Bowdoin College. While at Bowdoin, he was a four-year, tri-varsity athlete in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse and was captain of all three teams his senior year. He received his bachelor's degree in biochemistry with a minor in English and went back to Choate for another four years to teach and coach.

From Bowdoin to Deerfield, he has taught physics, geometry, French, astronomy, ethics and algebra. He has coached boys and girl varsity teams. He also already has an advanced degree: a Master's in educational administration from Boston University. In a little under a year from now, he will be awarded his Master's in Theology from the same institution.

Mr. Flaska's post at Deerfield, however, will not be easy to fill. Aside from being recently vacated by Dr. Elizabeth Clement, the job itself presents a fine line to walk: he will be the dean of spirituality in an outwardly secular school.

"Faith is a really big part of his life. But he doesn't feel the need to proselytize," said Ms. Henry. It is this trait, coupled with a "compassionate, caring" manner that will fit him easily and successfully into the Deerfield community. He was involved with Choate's Christian fellowship group and will most likely join Deerfield's fellowship, working with the group's current faculty advisor, science teacher Ben Bakker.

His other obligations here will include teaching ethics and religion. Mr. Flaska will also join the coaching staff of boys' varsity soccer.

"He's really excited about coming here, especially having already met some of the faculty through sports." Mrs. Henry said. "I just thought he was really cool."