USN remembers Interim Director Jean Gray Litterer

The Nashville educator led USN at the turn of the century.
Education leader Jean Gray Litterer, who served as University School of Nashville's Interim Director during the 1999-2000 school year, has died.

"I hope to afford the University School a transition from one administration to another," Litterer told The Tennessean when she retired from her longtime role as Hillsboro High School principal. "By serving as an interim, I feel that they will have ample time to find a director whose leadership style will be parallel to the needs of the school."

Her service allowed the Board of Trustees time to find a permanent successor to Director Ed Costello.

"From all I could glean in hindsight, her style, graciousness, wisdom, and genuine care for children shone through from day one," said Director Vince Durnan. "She welcomed me generously and left meticulously inscribed, encouraging notes in the desk, which I then discovered at unpredictable intervals for months while settling in. That's who Jean was — and much more. And she stayed a dedicated USN events attendee from then forward."

Visitation is 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 26 at Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church, 900 Broadway. A music celebration and funeral service follows at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the church or the Hillsboro High School Parent Teacher Student Organization. Read her full obituary in The Tennessean.
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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.