Announcing Robert Morris as Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars

Canterbury School is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Morris as its next Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars. Rob brings more than three decades of leadership experience in independent schools, including a distinguished 31-year tenure at Phillips Exeter Academy and, most recently, his role as Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programs at Hebron Academy in Maine.

At Hebron, Rob has led the revitalization of athletic offerings with a focus on programmatic growth, equity in girls’ sports, and the development of coaching talent. He also teaches in the school’s wellness program, serves as a dorm parent, and coaches football, basketball, and baseball—an embodiment of his belief in the transformative impact of student engagement beyond the classroom.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob to Canterbury,” said Sue Roberts P ‘24, ‘27, Interim Head of School. “His career reflects not only a deep understanding of school athletics but also a genuine commitment to student growth, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership. Rob’s presence will bring energy, vision, and a wealth of experience to a role that touches every part of our community.”

Before Hebron, Rob served as Athletic Director at Phillips Exeter Academy for nearly a decade, overseeing a vast program that included 59 teams, 100 coaches, and a 220,000 square-foot athletics complex. He also chaired the Health & Human Development Department, coached football, and spent over 30 years in residential life, 14 of which he and his wife, Cindy, spent living in Exeter’s largest boys’ dorm. During his tenure as Athletic Director, Rob worked closely with alumni, parents, and donors to advance the athletic program and complete major facility improvements, including a new turf field, a multi-million dollar field house, a state-of-the-art fitness center, expanded locker room and training spaces, and other key upgrades across the athletics complex.

In addition to his leadership in athletics, Rob partnered regularly with admission and college counseling offices to support student recruitment and college placement. He played a key role in identifying and mentoring prospective student-athletes and collaborated with coaches and counselors to guide students through the college recruiting process, helping hundreds of students pursue athletic and academic opportunities at top colleges and universities.

Rob has been recognized for excellence in both teaching and service. He is a recipient of the Brown Family Teaching Award and the Rupert Radford Faculty Fellowship Award at Phillips Exeter Academy, as well as the Outstanding Professional Award from the New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. His perspective as an educator is further enriched by international and cultural experiences. Rob has engaged in professional travel and school visits throughout China, Hawaii, and the UK and has presented nationally on character-based coaching, health education reform, and risk mitigation in athletics.

“Rob’s leadership and integrity stood out from the moment we met him,” said incoming Head of School Caroline Blatti. “He understands how athletics and co-curricular life can shape a student’s sense of purpose, confidence, and belonging. I look forward to working with him to support programs that reflect the heart and ambition of Canterbury.”

“In Canterbury, I saw a school whose values were fully aligned with my own,” Rob shared. “As an educator, I have always embraced a holistic approach to working with students, centered on building relationships and grounded in character development. When I visited campus and met students, faculty, and staff, it was clear that Canterbury’s mission is lived and not just words on a page. The beauty of the campus, the warmth of the people, and the school’s forward-looking future were all deeply compelling. My wife, our family, and I are thrilled to be joining this special community at such an exciting time in its history.”

Rob holds a B.S. in Health Education from Springfield College and began his career teaching and coaching at Melrose High School. A graduate of Tilton School’s postgraduate program, he understands firsthand the power of a boarding school experience. He and Cindy—his high school sweetheart—have spent their lives living and working on campuses. They are the proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to two. Together, they care deeply about family, faith, service, the outdoors, and school life.

We are also deeply grateful to Paddy McCarthy ’94 for his steady leadership as Interim Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars over the past year. Under his guidance, the program enters its next chapter with strong student engagement, a commitment to competitive excellence, and a clear sense of teamwork and purpose, providing a strong foundation for Rob to build upon.

Rob will officially assume his role in July 2025. We look forward to welcoming Rob and Cindy (and their dog Smokey) to Canterbury this summer and are excited for the energy, wisdom, and heart Rob will bring to our community.