Chris Freer

On May 24, 2024, the Woodward Academy Governing Board announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Freer as Woodward’s eighth President, effective on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Freer came to Woodward in 1994 to teach U.S. government & economics, coaching at the varsity level for football, wrestling, and track & field. Beginning in 1998, Dr. Freer was appointed Dean of Student Life in the Upper School, adding the position of Upper School Assistant Principal in 2007. In 2010, Dr. Freer was named Vice President and Dean for Student Life. Dr. Freer spent eight years in this role, overseeing student life Academy-wide, including athletics; character and leadership development; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives; and experiential and service learning. In 2012, he was appointed principal of the Upper School while continuing his service as Vice President and Dean for Student Life. As principal of Woodward’s Upper School, Dr. Freer guided a 140-person faculty and 1,100 students. During his tenure, he led the design and construction of Jane Woodruff Hall, created and led the Academic Council, revised the daily schedule, and established an advisory program. He became Vice President for Advancement in 2018. Under his leadership, The Woodward Fund has set new records each year. He has raised more than $7M in capital gifts and established new endowment funds.

Dr. Freer earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Davidson College, a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in educational policy studies from Georgia State University. He most recently earned an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.

He and his wife, Amanda, have three sons–two Woodward alumni who are now students at Georgia Tech and one in the Class of 2027 at Woodward.