“Bruce Wilhelm not only connects; he brings to all of his work a personal investment and to our students the joy of a rich and robust educational experience. As Head of the Shaker Campus, Bruce struck me first and foremost as a passionate pastoral leader with every best wish for students. Whatever spiraling and even dizzying conversations we might be having on program or personnel, Bruce kept us grounded in and centered on the actual experience of the many boys in our care. Bruce’s was not only a refreshing but an indispensable perspective, then, in a period of great change at the school. In short, he reminded us what we were all about.”

— Head of School, P.G.

“As an administrator, advisor, coach and mentor, Bruce has simply been incredible. I cannot say enough how blessed I  have been to know and to work with Bruce Wilhelm. He is thoughtful and thorough, he is professional and kind, he is educated and aware, he is caring and he is loyal. Bruce has been an exceptional leader at University School, and he will be tremendous in whatever he chooses to do in the next stage of his career.” 

— Director of REACH program, Terry

“Creative, Passionate, Committed - three words I would use to describe Bruce as an educator, colleague, and friend.

Bruce's humor and passion for learning inspires us all to be our best selves. He finds creative and compassionate ways when working with students and adults and is 100% committed to supporting you through the process - beginning to end. A true gem of an educator, colleague and friend. My life is greater having Bruce in it!”

— Director of Admissions, Amy

“Bruce and I worked together in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging education sphere. His commitment and passion for equity and equality were evident in his advocacy work for a fair and just school community. He worked with and for students, faculty, and staff and made it clear that each person's humanity was being valued and respected. “

—Director of DEI & Belonging, Lauren

Bruce was the first person I called when I was appointed to be a Middle School Head in 2018. This was so because he knows me better than most. We met when I began teaching 19 years ago and became friends and trusted colleagues. I remembered how I watched Bruce humbly demonstrate excellence in everything he did, and I tried to emulate him. Once I started as a division head, I called him because I felt Bruce genuinely knew me, and he would know the things I needed to think about without me having to ask the right questions. I needed guidance from someone who was experienced as a teacher and leader in education, and who understood the nuances of relationship building with ALL members of the school community. Bruce is that person, and to this day I count on his friendship and mentorship as I strive to do this work on behalf of students in the most effective way.

—Head of Middle School, Shaka

“Bruce is an outstanding educator. He is a kind, funny, and compassionate teacher and leader. Bruce is a gifted writer and public speaker who understands his reader and his listener with a depth that can only be achieved by one with very high emotional intelligence. He is a strategic thinker who engages and inspires his team by posing critical and thought-provoking questions. It was my honor to work with him for several years; I would jump at the opportunity to work with him again.”

— Head of School, Susan

“Bruce helped me just as much in my role as a new administrator.  He has the unique ability to assess and challenge one's thinking and systems with a sharp, supportively critical eye, helping a school leader focus on what's most important for individual and organizational success.  And he does all this while making you laugh along the way!”

— Head of School, Phil

“Bruce has a way with people. Whether he is working with a 10th grade student, guiding an experienced teacher or administrator, or providing helpful perspective to a parent, Bruce connects. Because of his many years of experience in this world, and of the many varied and important roles he has played, I consider him to be one of the most balanced and wise educators I have ever worked with. He and I have managed many emotionally charged and challenging situations together over the years, and I have absolute trust in him, and he knows his stuff.”

— School Psychologist and Parent, Sarah

“Bruce knows what needs to be done to develop a great school, and he thoughtfully engages administration, faculty, staff, parents and students in the process. He leads with integrity, compassion and heart. Bruce is a man of great character and truly lives by the words of Aristotle, “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”

— Administrator- Gail

“I have known Bruce for a very long time. First as a teaching and coaching colleague, and then as a fellow school administrator. Mostly, Bruce has been a trusted partner for my role in school administration.  He seems to always provide timely, effective insight into every aspect of school leadership, from curricular evaluation to best practices for teacher observations.  Bruce is a confident and competent communicator who has listened to my needs and then has quickly provided genuine and helpful advice. He is as experienced and knowledgeable about schools as anyone I know. Bruce knows what a good institution looks like. As a result, he has been supportive in suggesting a wide range of professional development options with me that I have successfully used in my own school. He cares about me and truly wants me to be successful as a school leader; he is uniquely authentic in this way.”

—Administrator and Teacher, Chris