Ahrens looks forward to new challenge as Pinkerton dean

By Julie Huss
Staff writer

March 20, 2008 04:49 pm

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DERRY — With almost three decades of service to the school under his belt, Glenn Ahrens is a familiar face to thousands of students, past and present, at Pinkerton Academy.

Ahrens will now look forward to a new chapter in his Pinkerton life as the associate dean of students gets ready to take on the position of dean of students effective this summer, replacing Charles Varney. Varney announced he will retire after serving 38 years at Pinkerton.

For Ahrens, it's a role he is eager to fill after spending almost 30 years as a teacher, sports coach, and now administrator at the approximately 3,200-plus student high school, responsible for senior students.

Pinkerton Headmaster Mary Anderson said last week that Ahrens was well-suited to take on the dean of students position and said he was selected from the pool of two in-house candidates who applied for the job. A committee of Pinkerton teachers, a department chair, deans of academic affairs and faculty, along with Anderson, conferred during the interview process and final decision.

Ahrens, who came to Pinkerton as a biological sciences teacher, recalled it was a time when the school looked a lot different — it was considerably smaller than it is now, with about 1,800 students roaming between the campus buildings. He said coming to Derry happened at just the right time. He not only began a teaching career, but also took on coaching duties for soccer and lacrosse through the years, forging many relationships with his students over the years and being an important part of their day while at school.

"It was the right time, at the right moment," he recalled.

Ahrens came to Pinkerton before many current buildings were built and remembered the early days and how much the school has grown since; not just physically, but also in the programs and services offered to its students.

"There are tremendous offerings here for the kids," he said.

The main role of the dean of students, Ahrens said, is made up of two components: overseeing all student activities; and also taking on the administrative duties that come with the position.

Right now, Ahrens is part of a team of seven associate deans who work closely together, maintaining close ties and friendship.

"These are a great group of people who have a very difficult job," Ahrens said. "I've worked with some of these people for many years. I've gotten support (of all of them) and they encouraged me to go for the job in the first place."

He added he's been there with his associates through the good times and bad, and he credits all for doing a great job.

As Ahrens looks forward to his future as dean of students, he said many exciting things will be coming at Pinkerton, including the new freshman building.

"We do a lot of good things," he said. "My intent is not to change too much."

Ahrens added Pinkerton Academy is steeped in many years of tradition and even though change will ultimately happen, it's important to keep the legacy of the Derry school strong and intact.

"I think we do a good job," he said. "That's what I hope to bring."

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