FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: BRANDON MOLLETT ground. Problem-solving, he says, is a challenge he looks forward to embracing in his next job: Academic Dean. The job is designed to oversee academic practices and standards across all three divisions. “Part of the unique opportunity in this role is that it hasn’t existed in a while, and I have the chance to redefine it,” he says.
By: Alex Barron In his nineteen years at Boys’ Latin, Brandon Mollett has worn numerous hats. He has, at various times, taught Latin, English and world cultures, coached soccer and JV lacrosse, and instructed middle school Innovation courses in such quirky subjects as model rocket construction. His connection to BL runs deep. He is a graduate of the class of 1994, and a legacy student: both his father and his brother were Lakers as well. After a short stint writing and editing for Inside Lacrosse Magazine, he returned to his alma mater, where he has been ever since. “I feel fortunate to have found both a school and profession that are deeply satisfying,” he says, “Every day I am grateful for the opportunities that Boys’ Latin has given me to work with the boys on the field, in the classroom, and as an administrator.” Of course, Mr. Mollett is most well-known of late as the Head of Middle School, a job he has held for the past eight years. Under his watch, the middle school has undergone significant change. He and his faculty developed its successful Innovation Program, revamped its advisory program, and offered new athletic options like golf, rockclimbing, and futsal (a fast-paced South American game similar to soccer). His philosophy is simple. “It’s all about asking, what can I do to help kids? What’s going to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people?,” he says, “And then figuring out, how can we make this happen?” Mr. Mollett has always enjoyed figuring out the logistical puzzles that are required in getting any new idea off the 16
Brandon looks forward to floating between divisions. His prime goal, he says, is to make sure that students and faculty are on the same page in terms of their commitment to supporting BL’s mission through rigorous academics. “My job is to help create a consistent experience for our students across the curriculum,” he says, “That means providing support for faculty, hearing what they’re saying, and helping them to help kids.” Mr. Mollett is one of few BL faculty who can claim to have worked at least some time in the upper, middle, and lower schools. Between his varied professional experience and his having attended Boys’ Latin himself, he might well know the ins and outs of the School better than anyone else on campus. “It’s so inspiring to see a BL grad rise through the ranks and take on this role,” says upper school Dean of Students Mac McDonald, who figures to work closely with Brandon, “Brandon knows this community well and we know he’ll do good things.” Assistant Headmaster Sean Kriebel looks forward to seeing what Mollett will do with the position. “We really haven’t had a K-through-12 academic dean in at least the last nine years,” says Mr. Kriebel, “With the return of this position, comes an opportunity to really focus on the academic program holistically, instead of just division by division.” He adds, “Brandon has the perfect experience to step in and hit the ground running.” Brandon has agreed to stay on as middle school head for the 2020-2021 school year to provide stability as the School continues to contend with these uncertain times. Throughout the course of the year, Brandon will begin the transition into his new role.
