The founders wrote, ‘the time of youth is the important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend the most weighty consequences, to individuals themselves and the community.’ … It is the singular reason our school exists today."Principal Bill Rawson
Bill Rawson ’71; P’08 was appointed Exeter’s 16th principal in January 2019 after six months of leadership as the Academy’s interim principal. Rawson’s return to Exeter followed a 32-year career at the international law firm of Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C. He volunteered in nearly every capacity at the Academy during that time, from leading class reunions to serving as trustee from 2004-16.
Prior to attending Stanford Law School, Rawson served as an Admissions officer at PEA, where he lived on campus, advised students and coached lacrosse. “I then took a 40-year leave of absence,” he quipped to students during a special assembly announcing his appointment. “I am delighted to be back. I am excited to be your principal.”
Rawson has committed to spending much of his time with students, to ensure their Exeter experiences continue to be transformative, now and in the future.
Writings and remarks
A letter to the community announcing the need-blind admissions process, Nov. 3, 2021
Finding joy
The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2021
"Let's get started"
Opening Assembly, Sept. 10, 2021
“Exeter lives within each of us”
The Exeter Bulletin, Spring 2021
Our commitment to justice
Letter to the community sent April 21, 2021, after a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd.
Update on anti-racism work
Letter to the community, Feb. 24, 2021
Individual growth and public purpose
The Exeter Bulletin, Winter 2021
Our values in action
The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2020
Announcement of initiatives to institutionalize the practice of anti-racism
Letter to the community, June 29, 2020
Principal Rawson's assembly remarks
Historic first virtual assembly, May 2, 2020
"The community within us"
The Exeter Bulletin, Spring 2020
An update on Exeter's virtual spring term
Letter to the community, April 13, 2020
"Open to all"
The Exeter Bulletin, Winter 2020
"The Exeter way"
The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2019
"Vital work"
The Exeter Bulletin, Spring 2019
"Always for Exeter"
The Exeter Bulletin, Fall 2018
Every year, Exonians graduate with passions they discovered here, and with strengths that they never imagined they could have ... Dare to be one of those Exonians."
"Forward thinking"
The Exeter Bulletin, Summer 2018
More to Explore
Exeter Today
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vision Statement
We're committed to assembling a diverse community, and teaching skills, modeling behaviors, providing resources and cultivating the environment that unlocks the richness of that diversity.
Exeter People
We share a passion for education, a commitment to excellence, boldness of thinking, and an openness to solving problems.