Brent Bell LD’14

Head of School

Brent was named Darlington’s 11th head of school in 2014. With two decades of experience in education, he holds a B.A. in History from the University of Richmond and an M.S. in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to his work here, Brent was head of Upper School at Randolph School in Huntsville, Ala. He also served previously as assistant headmaster and dean of academic affairs at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Va., where he held the E. Craig Wall Family Mastership. He and his wife, Andrea, have three children, Charlie (’22), Jack (’24) and Brent (’26).

College Education

B.A. University of Richmond

MSEd Virginia Commonwealth University

Episode 109: Reflecting on the Class of 2023

May 11, 2023

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell reflects on the Class of 2023 with Upper School Director Chad Woods, Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer, Student Body President Collin Rego ('23) and Honor Council President Anaya Desai ('23). They discuss the senior class's academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as some of their most memorable moments as Darlington students.

Episode 97: Checking in with College Athletes

February 16, 2023

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with several Darlington alumni who have gone on to successful collegiate athletic careers. He chats with Trinity Andrews ('21) of Oregon State University gymnastics, Cade Brock ('20) of the University of Georgia football team and Russell Shealy ('18), a recent graduate of Syracuse University and member of the men's soccer team. They share about their experiences as Division I athletes and how Darlington prepared them for that experience.

Remembering Distinguished Alumna Villa Hizer ('66T, LD '12)

Upper School | Brent Bell LD'14, February 9, 2023

It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of Distinguished Alumna Villa (Sulzbacher) Hizer (’66T, LD ’12) on Monday. Ms. Hizer made a lasting impact on Darlington and this community, and set the example of what it means to give to the greater good.

Episode 90: Year in Review

December 29, 2022

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with academic department heads Cristy Baldwin (world languages), Brian Inman (history), Owen Kinney (science), Al Shorey (math) and Melissa Smyly (English). Together, they recap the 2022 calendar year, sharing accomplishments and noteworthy moments from within their departments, their extracurricular activities, and their own personal research and professional development.

Episode 85: Reflections on Thankfulness

November 24, 2022

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with several longtime members of the Darlington Community about their reflections on thankfulness. He is joined by History Department Chair Brian Inman, Chief Advancement Officer Julie Lucas ('97), senior day student Belle Brooks, senior boarding student Noah Morris and seventh-grader Siya Patel. Each guest shares what they're thankful for in many different areas of their lives, but especially why they're thankful for the Darlington Community and what makes it special to them.

Growing Great Leaders: Darlington launches leadership institute

October 3, 2022

In a world that is constantly demanding more from its leaders, Head of School Brent Bell saw a need for more comprehensive leadership education at Darlington. In partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, this idea became a reality last spring.

Episode 69: Darlington Tigers Football Preview

August 4, 2022

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with Head Football Coach Tommy Atha and seniors Jack Good and Braden Bell about the Darlington Tigers' upcoming football season. They discuss how the team has been preparing, their goals for the season and what they're most excited about.

Episode 57: Reflecting on the Class of 2022

May 12, 2022

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell reflects on the Class of 2022 with Upper School Director Chad Woods, Associate Dean of College Guidance Ivy Brewer and Student Body President William Feng ('22). They discuss the senior class's academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as some of their most memorable moments as Darlington students.

Episode 50: A Chat with Laura Whitaker

March 24, 2022

In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with Laura Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People, Inc., following her March 17 address as the inaugural speaker of the Darlington School Leadership Institute Speaker Series.

Darlington School Leadership Institute 8th Grade Kickoff

March 21, 2022

Eighth graders took part in their first session of the Darlington School Leadership Institute, a partnership with the University of Georgia's J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, during middle grades exploratory.