Kristian Noden named Head of LS

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.

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.