Chai Reddy named Acting Head of School
University School of Nashville launches a search for new Head of School.
University School of Nashville’s Board of Trustees has parted ways with Director Amani Reed, based on the findings of a newly completed independent report into the school’s handling of the investigation of former teacher Dean Masullo, who was reported for “grooming” by an alumna of the school in May 2024. The independent report, prepared by the law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP, was commissioned by USN’s Board to impartially uncover all facts about this matter, including how it was handled by the school’s administration and Board.
USN has launched an immediate search for an Interim Head of School and established a comprehensive process for recruiting its next Director. Until an Interim Head is named, the Board has named Head of High School Chai Reddy, Ed.D. as Acting Head of School. Dr. Reddy will be supported by a senior leadership team of USN educators and administrators to ensure seamless operations during this time.
“This has been a painful time for the USN community, one from which we are determined to learn and grow stronger,” said Board of Trustees President Eric Kopstain. “It is important to emphasize that Dean Masullo’s behavior toward a USN alumna, which the new report defines as “consistent with grooming behavior” in contrast with the previous investigation, was abhorrent and offensive. Many correct and immediate steps were taken by USN’s administration and Board in terminating Masullo. However, USN did not live up to its values or standards in its care for our alumna and our broader community. Director Reed’s actions and inactions throughout the process led the Board to the decision that he is unable to lead USN in the future.”
USN has also developed a “Care Plan” to provide support to all students, alumni, parents, and school employees impacted by the Masullo investigation over the last several months.
“USN appreciates the input, patience, and integrity of our community,” said Kopstain. “We are deeply grateful for our alumna who had the courage to report Dean Masullo’s inexcusable behavior to our school and then stand up publicly to pursue justice when USN failed her in many ways. USN will go through an extensive process to emerge stronger and is grateful for our entire community’s support and dedication to upholding our school’s values.”
Chai Reddy, Ed.D. joined University School of Nashville as Head of High School on July 1, 2024. As Head of High School, he stewards the division with more than 60 High School faculty and support staff as well as 404 students and their families. His commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment aligns perfectly with USN’s mission and guiding principles. He will prioritize building trust and relationships with our families & students and serve as an exemplary ambassador of our school while attending admissions events, recruiting faculty, and continuing his work with professional organizations.
Chai Reddy, Ed.D. joined University School of Nashville as Head of High School on July 1, 2024. As Head of High School, he stewards the division with more than 60 High School faculty and support staff as well as 404 students and their families. His commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment aligns perfectly with USN’s mission and guiding principles. He will prioritize building trust and relationships with our families & students and serve as an exemplary ambassador of our school while attending admissions events, recruiting faculty, and continuing his work with professional organizations.
A product of the independent school Holland Hall in Oklahoma, Dr. Reddy earned a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from Creighton University, a Master of Arts in Humanities from John Carroll University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lake Forest College.
He came to USN from Beaver Country Day School in Massachusetts, where he has worked as Director of the Upper School since 2021. Dr. Reddy began his career as a math and science teaching intern at the Haverford School in Pennsylvania before moving to Hawken School in Ohio where he taught history and humanities, coached, and served on a number of student and faculty committees. Dr. Reddy moved to Punahou School in Hawaii where for 13 years he taught social studies, coached football and basketball, and oversaw the start and growth of a number of global education programs as director of the Wo International Center. He has served on the faculty during the National Association of Independent School’s annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference — which USN student leaders attend each fall — and was the founder and principal consultant for the Shanti Alliance, designed to support educators and students as they enact social change within their school communities.
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Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.