Shady Side Academy names new head of senior school

Princeton University alum Sophie Lau said she was drawn to Shady Side Academy for its rich tradition of excellence and unique approach to inquiry-based learning.

Lau this week was named the new head of SSA's Senior School, which sits on a wooded campus along Fox Chapel Road.

“I am excited to build on these strengths as we embark on new initiatives,” said Lau, who served as the interim head of the senior school for the past five months.

SSA President Tom Cangiano said he was impressed with her leadership.

Typically, the school board would have conducted a nationwide search for the position but that wasn't the case with Lau.

“I believe we would not find a better, more qualified candidate externally,” Cangiano said.

“I have spoken with people from many different school constituencies and the overwhelming response has been that she is doing an excellent job and has the potential to be an exceptional school leader.”

Lau takes the place of Katharine Vavpetic who left this summer to join the administrative team of GEMS Education in Dubai.

Lau previously served two years as assistant head and dean of faculty. In her new role, she will be the lead for 485 students in grades nine through 12 on the 130-acre campus in Fox Chapel.

She runs a team of 90 teachers and administrators.

Lau earned a bachelor's degree in history from Princeton University and a master's degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She worked for 12 years at the Wheeler School in Rhode Island where she was head of the history department as well as an academic advisor, faculty advisor to the student senate and technology integrationist.

“I am thrilled to serve in the role of head of the Senior School at Shady Side,” Lau said.

Particular initiatives she will focus on include the growth of the school's boarding program. There currently are 65 students who live full-time on campus.

She also will invest in the McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation.

“I feel privileged to be helping young people reach their fullest potential as we fulfill our mission to challenge students to think expansively, act ethically and lead responsibly,” she said.

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or at tpanizzi@tribweb.com.