In email and social media communications on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Headmaster Peter D. Sanders announced his plans to retire from Memphis University School at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year.
Sanders, who moved from Greenville, S.C., and began his tenure in June 2017, has served as headmaster and instructor in history.
The two community email addresses, one of which was written by Sanders, and one of which was written by Chair of the Board of Trustees William V. Thompson III ’95, emphasized Sanders’ joy and appreciation for his time at MUS, his accomplishments and the plans to transition leadership.
“In what has been a rewarding career at a host of noted institutions, serving MUS has been the highest professional honor of my life,” wrote Sanders. “I deeply respect and love this great school. The people of MUS – students, teachers, staff, parents, alumni, and trustees – have been a source of encouragement and strength for me since day one.”
Sanders and Thompson indicated their goals to make the transition as smooth as possible. The Board of Trustees has formed a search committee, led by Trustee Margaret McLean. This committee will work jointly with Carney Sandoe & Associates, an independent school search firm.
Sanders’ departure will leave MUS without a key leader. Under Sanders’ leadership, MUS navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of MUS with a sixth grade in 2024-2025 and the initiation of Phase 1 of the 105,000-acre Campus Master Plan plus the Bold Vision Bright Future capital campaign.
But for Sanders, his work as headmaster is far from finished.
“In the month since I’ve announced [retirement], my foot hasn’t come off the pedal at all. It’s been solid, solid work.”
“The days of the old lame duck headmaster are long over,” said Sanders. “It is early, and with the time left, I’m going to be heavily focused on strategic areas such as the capital campaign and the campus plans.”
Sanders indicated that he intends to help with the Bold Vision Bright Future campaign even in retirement, while also working to transition leadership to the best of his ability.
“By the time we get to March 2027, I will be much more focused on the transition to the new person… just as Mr. Haguewood was there to help me,” said Sanders.
Sanders indicated that once the next headmaster is chosen, student leadership will have the opportunity to meet with Sanders’ successor and further student involvement within the transition process.
Sanders’ retirement from 47 years in the workforce will land him in Falls Village, Connecticut, where he looks to enjoy time with his wife, golfing, fishing and a two-hour door-to-door commute to Midtown Manhattan.
Sanders will join a long line of headmasters who have served Memphis University School, and his gratitude for the school leads him to request a simple legacy:
“I just would like to go down as [a headmaster] who worked hard, who loves schools – and came to really love this school.”
Editor’s Note: Background material in this article was pulled from our coverage of Sanders’ retirement announcement.
