Director of Admissions, Nisa Bryant
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Nisa Bryant says, “I enjoy bringing the community together and having the opportunity to witness students grow into the amazing humans that they are destined to be. I am honored to have the baton passed to me to continue the wonderful traditions of this institution.”
What are you most excited about in coming to Friends?
There are a few reasons as to why I am excited about joining the Friends community.
Friends is a special institution with an amazing historical footprint in New York City. The Quaker testimonies that guide this community are unique and have allowed the School to remain steadfast in its mission during its storied history. I have the opportunity to continue to position Friends as an independent school leader. Lastly, over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting students and alumni. While all different, their curiosity, humanity, commitment to community, and intellect is what they shared in common. Needless to say, this left an indelible impression. Although I have been in my role for about six weeks, this has been a wonderful transition. I am looking forward to this adventure!
How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My approach to leadership is best described as a combination of styles that I hope have been both effective and respected. Different circumstances call for different approaches. However, I do my best to lead by example, learn from others as much as I teach, provide opportunities for growth and agency, collaborate, and seek consensus. Lastly, respect, authenticity and integrity are integral to my role both as a leader and an individual.
What are your strengths as a leader?
In addition to what was previously shared in the question above, I’d like to think that I am an effective communicator who thinks strategically and creatively about the work I do. Additionally my leadership is guided by empathy, with a dash of humor, joy, and enthusiasm.
How do you plan to be an advocate for new students and families?
Admissions and Enrollment work is equally complex and fulfilling. There are a myriad of institutional wants and needs as we look to enroll a group of intellectually curious, dynamic, interesting, and diverse, change-making students. I see this as an outpouring of the care and pride that this community has for this beloved school, which is greatly appreciated and respected. And, while this is an interesting aspect of the work, I am most honored by being in the position to listen to the unique stories and aspirations that each student and parent/guardian share. I advocate on behalf of the School, and I advocate for those who will join us. It’s about relaying what’s important to them to colleagues; it's about helping them fulfill the hopes and dreams they wish for; it’s about providing reassurance along the way when the journey is uncertain. The advocacy and support does not end once a family has enrolled for it continues throughout the duration of their tenure at Friends.
At Friends part of our mission is to help prepare students to engage in a world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be. How do you plan to support this?
While it is our charge to help prepare students to “engage in a world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be” by way of education and providing exposure, guidance, and support, this mission is also delivered by living and leading by Quaker values as best we can. I am proud to be a part of a community that in many ways, reflects the values that I embody.
What are your hopes in bringing about a world that ought to be?
My hope is that all are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness; we can truly appreciate and embrace all of the differences that make us uniquely who we are; and that we use our privilege and power to be of service to others and to our communities.
Dean of Studies, Hassan Wilson
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Hassan Wilson says, “In some respects, I feel like I’m returning where I left off. People have been welcoming and genuinely excited that I'm back. I’m excited to take on new challenges and questions that will come up. I think this new role will be the best of both worlds and allow me to collaborate with new people.”
What are you most excited about in your return to Friends?
I'm most excited to be back into this wonderful community. This has been home for 18 years, and returning to home is a dream come true. I'm equally excited about supporting faculty and Department Chairs in the work they do to bring our rich curriculum to life.
As a long serving administrator and faculty member at Friends, how do you plan to use your experience and institutional knowledge in your new role?
I understand some of our unspoken and unwritten practices and customs. I also understand how certain aspects of the School came to be. Having this institutional knowledge can help us work efficiently and hopefully avoid repeating mistakes or going down dead ends. I also have strong ties in the community which can help with having open and transparent discussions.
Are there any specific classes or initiatives you plan to create?
I do have some ideas based on my experience at Friends in various roles, but I'm more interested in learning about the experiences of others, to find out what is working from their perspective, as well as their challenges. It's important to see the perspectives of others so that you get a fuller picture; therefore, my major initiative is to visit classes and engage K-12 teachers in discussions about what they are teaching, and to get a bigger picture of our program.
How can you be an advocate for students?
It's important to center the experience of our students. Our work is meant to prepare students for the skills, content, habits and dispositions they will need to be successful and to leave a positive impact on the world. I hope that teaching a class and being an advisor will help me keep an eye on the needs of students.
What are your hopes in bringing about a world that ought to be?
I hope students will graduate from Friends being well equipped to understand the world as is but also have the skills and courage to bring about a world that ought to be. We need to continue to cultivate a program that is dynamic and can adapt to the changing world—whether it is the explosion of A.I. or the increasingly diverse world, students need a program and curriculum that will empower them to affect change.