Tell us a little about yourself – where were you before Greensboro Day School? I began my career at The Lovett School in Atlanta, GA. During my tenure at Lovett, I served my students, their families, and the faculty in numerous roles. Those roles included guidance counselor, cross country and track coach, 12th grade class sponsor, Dean of Students, advisor and teacher. After 13 years at Lovett, I made the move to Montgomery, AL to serve as Upper School Director at Montgomery Academy. I served this school community for the past four years. My family and I are excited to be in Greensboro and to call this city home. Why do you believe in independent schools? I believe in independent schools because they provide a mission-driven education. I enjoy the freedom the faculty has to create educational experiences that meet each student’s needs. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, promote personal growth, encourage critical thinking, develop character, introduce service learning, and promote a lifelong love of learning. What is your favorite school memory? As a student, or as a teacher or administrator? My favorite school memory as a student is competing on my high-school cross country and track teams. My coach was a huge influence in my life. My favorite school memory as an administrator was co-hosting the Homecoming Talent show and performing with the senior-class president. Do you have a ritual or routine to start your day? My routine to start each day is to walk the building to greet everyone and to ask if I can do anything to help them. I enjoy talking with students and getting a number of fist pumps from them to get me going. How do you live out the mission of the school? I live out our school’s mission by challenging myself and others each day to build on their intellectual foundation. We strive to create lifelong learners at Greensboro Day School. I approach every conversation and decision that needs to be made with an ethical mindset. Finally, I live out the last pillar of our mission statement by engaging the school community in each division to build lasting relationships to help move our school forward. How do you show your school spirit? I show my school spirit by attending sporting events, performances, class presentations, and wearing our school colors or spirit wear on Fridays. Tell us about your family. I have been married to my wife Danielle for 14 years. She was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Danielle works for Wake Forest Baptist as an Epidemiologist. We have two daughters Kori ’25 and Kayla ’28, and they have enjoyed their transition to both Greensboro and GDS. Tell us about your hobbies and a good book you’ve recently read. I enjoy working out and running when I can, and I spend a lot of time with my family. A good book I read recently was given to me by Dr. Robin Schenck. The title is Turn the Ship Around!, written by L. David Marquet, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired). Ed Billingslea FACULTY FOCUS UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR 36 | Winter 2017