The MICDS International Board of Visitors (BOV) serves to educate its members about the strengths, advantages, and values of the Mission, programs, and future plans of MICDS so they can offer counsel to the Head of School and support the work of the School. It is comprised of prominent alumni who live outside the St. Louis region and is currently chaired by Jamie Corley ’05. It was founded in 1998 with Senator Jack Danforth ’54 serving as inaugural Chair.
During their annual visit, members interact with administrators, faculty, and students. They spend time in breakout sessions to discuss what they’ve learned and debate possible solutions and recommendations. Each visit is focused on a specific theme. This year, the Board of Visitors studied Institutional Advancement at MICDS, which includes Admissions, Alumni and Development, and Marketing and Communications.
Board members were asked to read materials in advance of their visit to MICDS and encouraged to bring ideas, information, and marketing materials from other independent schools, colleges/universities, or nonprofit organizations with which they are affiliated that covered the topic. After an overview and presentations from Head of School Jay Rainey, Director of Enrollment Management Eric Brunt ’02, Director of Development Elizabeth Coulter ’08, and Director of Marketing and Communications Amy Zlatic P’24, members gathered in three groups for discussions. They also heard from our student Rambassadors, ate lunch in the Upper School Alumni Dining Hall, and toured the campus.
MICDS is highly regarded in the St. Louis area and beyond, but how does the School stay relevant ahead of competitors while continuing to educate our students to the highest standards? And while building a strong and vibrant alumni community and a culture of philanthropy? These are the questions our visitors tackled.
At the end of the second day, representatives from each of the three breakout groups shared their observations and recommendations with Mr. Rainey and the Senior Leadership Team. The recommendations are being distilled into one document for sharing with stakeholders, and MICDS will report back to the BOV before next year’s meeting.
Many thanks to our dedicated Board of Visitors members for taking time out of their busy schedules to travel to St. Louis and serve on this team. Your insight and feedback are invaluable, and we are grateful for your time and talent.
Board of Visitors 2024-2025 Roster
- Jamie Corley ’05, In-Town Chair
- Jon M. Austin ’77
- Katie Watt Banahan ’02
- Vivek Biswas ’11
- Courtney Blankenship ’89
- Wendy Brafman ’87
- Jack Burkhardt ’07
- Caroline Noel Cooper ’92
- Noah Croom ’83
- Drew Flanigan ’03
- Keith Gordon ’91
- Bill Guerri ’74
- Holly Holtz ’68
- Arun Kurichety ’97
- Jennifer Lortz ’89
- Sangita Patel Macklin ’85
- Tess Mandoli ’15
- Jay Mason ’64
- Betsy Goodman McPherson ’92
- Caroline Militello ’14
- Kristin Collins Pate ’01
- Kate Rouse ’10
- Bo Rutledge ’88
- Billy Weitzer ’71