Kristian Noden named Head of LS
An academic and educational leader with experience working with elementary grades in Australia and California, Kristian Noden will join USN for the 2024-2025 academic year.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications
Back
Kristian Noden will join University School of Nashville as Head of Lower School on July 1, 2024. Although he joins USN from a few miles southwest of our Edgehill Campus, his educational experience as a classroom teacher and an administrator at the elementary level spans the globe.
A skilled academic and an intuitive relationship builder, Mr. Noden will have oversight of day-to-day Lower School operations, curriculum development, faculty and support staff management and advancement, and divisional strategic planning. He has expressed his passion for social emotional learning and a readiness to embrace the challenge of aligning our curriculum, working with the Head of Middle School and the Head of High School to create academic through lines from kindergarten to 12th grade.
"I am confident he will help ensure a strong Lower School program, inspire a talented faculty and staff, nurture our youngest students academically and socially, and advance USN’s mission while expertly blending heart and mind as it seeks to nurture and define the next era of Lower School at USN," said Director Amani Reed.
"I am confident he will help ensure a strong Lower School program, inspire a talented faculty and staff, nurture our youngest students academically and socially, and advance USN’s mission while expertly blending heart and mind as it seeks to nurture and define the next era of Lower School at USN," said Director Amani Reed.
This summer, Mr. Noden will complete his Doctor of Education degree across the street at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. He also holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Business School. He has earned a Master of Education and a Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Management from Victoria University.
Mr. Noden comes to USN from The Ensworth School, where he is serving as Interim Head of Lower School after beginning his tenure as the Associate Head of Lower School. His career in education has primarily been with students in the K-5 space, and he has also worked with high school students as a Head Varsity Track and Field Coach and as Resident Faculty in a boarding program. He previously was the Associate Director of the Lower School at San Domenico School in California for four years. Mr. Noden’s career in education began in Melbourne, Australia, where he taught in public schools and worked with elementary students.
Mr. Noden said he, his wife, and children ages 6 to 20 are pleased to make Nashville their long-term home and to continue to frequent the Adventure Science Center, the Tennessee State Museum, their favorite Jeni’s Ice Cream, and our city’s many farmers’ markets and parks.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
USN graduates 98 plus 1 during Commencement
Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 17, on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2026 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.Read More -
Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More
Contact
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.