From the Head of School: Reflections on Change

Reflecting on this issue of Views from the Hill, the classicist in me can’t help but recall the words of 6th century BC Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who allegedly said, “panta rei,” or “everything flows.” Arguing that change is the only constant in life, Heraclitus suggested that being adaptable to change can be a key factor in success.

 

As both a traditional school as well as an innovative one, Hopkins is a testament to the philosopher’s insight. For 364 years, Hopkins has shown an ability to adapt to the needs of changing times without compromising its identity or purpose. Our new strategic plan, Hopeful Youths: Renewing Hopkins’ Promise for the 21st Century, continues this legacy—honoring an impressive past while embracing an exciting future.

 

The world today is evolving at an accelerating pace. We are preparing students for careers that may not exist yet, where all information known to humankind can be accessed instantly on a smartphone, and where AI can write, speak, and analyze as well as a person. To thrive in such a setting, our graduates will need a firm grounding in the Liberal Arts and STEM fields. But they will also need human-centered skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. 

 

The result of two years of careful research, Hopeful Youths offers a roadmap for promoting deep, traditional learning while also equipping students with future-ready skills. The plan is driving meaningful change already.

 

Perhaps the most tangible expression of the creative gene in Hopkins’ DNA is the recent opening of the new Academic & Performing Arts Center, featuring a 350-seat theater, 10 classrooms, faculty workspace, art galleries, and casual seating. After a year of design, 22 months of construction, and a generation of dreaming about a space like this, we are thrilled to finally have a facility that matches and supports the high caliber of the performing arts at Hopkins.

 

In this edition of Views from the Hill, you’ll meet changemakers from the Hopkins community—like the students who built a water filtration system on campus to combat climate change, the faculty and staff who share inspiring stories of how they arrived and why they’ve remained at Hopkins, and alums who are applying lessons learned on the Hill to remarkable careers in fields like the culinary arts and the music industry.

 

Heraclitus was wise, to be sure, and I hope that the Hopkins community is ready for the evolution ahead. At the same time, we remain mindful of the words of 19th century French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, who famously said, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” or “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Our goal is to preserve the fundamental strengths and identity of Hopkins while helping the School evolve into an even better version of itself.