By Amy Marathe P ’26

Mercersburg Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Lee as assistant head of school for community and culture. Lee brings extensive experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), student life, and faculty leadership within independent schools. His commitment to fostering inclusive communities and passion for education make him an outstanding addition to our school.

Lee joins Mercersburg from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA, where he served as dean of inclusion and community life and co-director of the Rising Scholars program. He played a key role in developing student programming, overseeing student affinity groups, and chairing the Faculty Inclusion Committee. Additionally, he taught Voices and Visions of Justice and Defining Literary Traditions.

Previously, Lee was director of equity, inclusion, and civic engagement at Edmund Burke School in Washington, D.C. There, he co-led a schoolwide Social Justice Pedagogy Initiative, chaired the Department of Health, Values, and Ethics, led the Equity and Inclusion Task Force, and taught courses on cultural competence, emotional intelligence, social activism, and civic engagement. Earlier in his career, he worked at The Athenian School and San Francisco University High School, creating and implementing DEIB programs while teaching courses in literature, history, and community-based learning.

Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in ethnic studies from the University of California, Berkeley. He is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic and professional work centers on empowering students to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions about identity, equity, and community.

“I am thrilled to join Mercersburg Academy and look forward to working alongside students, faculty, and staff to cultivate an environment where every member of our community feels seen, valued, and supported,” said Lee. “A strong culture of belonging and dignity is the foundation for student success, and I am excited to contribute to Mercersburg’s mission.”
As assistant head of school for community and culture, Lee will lead the Office of Student Life, shaping student experiences and ensuring all students thrive. He will also partner with the head of school and senior leadership team to help strengthen Mercersburg’s commitment to inclusion, student well-being, and community engagement.

“Steven’s leadership and passion for fostering inclusive communities, and his extensive background in supporting civic engagement initiatives in independent schools, make him an invaluable addition to Mercersburg Academy,” said Head of School Quentin McDowell P ’25, ’27. “We are excited to welcome Steven and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, faculty, and staff.”