Erin Purcell Hughes is Penn Charter's new Director of Upper School.
Head of School Darryl J. Ford appointed Hughes following a national search process for this key position. More than 60 qualified educators applied for the post, and an Upper School Search Committee culled the pool at first to 12 and then to four finalists; the finalists visited campus for two-day visits with faculty, students and parents.
"Erin rose in the search because of her unique combination of intellect, experience, understanding of Quaker education, and commitment to growth for the school, the division and herself," Ford said in announcing his appointment
Hughes has served the Penn Charter community for almost three decades. Critical to the decision of the Search Committee were the work she has done as a department chair, grade dean and college counselor, and her commitment to her own professional development. While working full-time at PC, Hughes earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and completed the Heads Network Women's Leadership Seminar. This April, she will complete the Friends Council on Education's two-year Leadership Institute.
Hughes has served this year as acting director of Upper School, replacing Travis Larrabee, who transitioned to a new role as Penn Charter's Director of Strategic Initiatives.
