Rachel Deems

In 2024, Rachel Deems transitioned from Pulaski Academy's interim head of school into the role of president. She will serve in this capacity through the 2025-26 school year and will focus on key strategic efforts. Prior to this appointment, she was named head of Spartanburg Day School in 2012. Under her leadership, the school reached its highest enrollment in almost 20 years and surpassed the strategic endowment goal. She previously served at two independent schools in Georgia: head of The Westfield School in Perry for four years and director of development at Stratford Academy in Macon for nine years. Prior to that, she served as chief administrative officer, assistant provost, and dean of students at Mercer University and director of alumnae affairs and vice president at Judson College.

Rachel has volunteered for the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, United Way of the Piedmont, Globalbike, the Rotary Club, and the Spartanburg Regional Hospital System. She also served as a board member of both GISA and SAIS.

A native Alabamian, Rachel holds a B.A. from Judson College and an M.A. from The University of Alabama.

DSA Presentation Video: https://vimeo.com/763821400/15363ae01f