Odden’s mission at Taft was to put the school on a comparable footing with the other principal New England prep schools at a time when admissions were becoming increasingly competitive. For the next 29 years, the first couple directed and oversaw the transition to coeducation, the diversification of the student body, an explosion in the arts offerings, and a huge increase in the institution’s endowment. Major campus improvements during Odden’s time included the expansion of the athletic facilities, the construction of the Arts and Humanities Center, the Wu Math and Science Center, the renovation of the Library, Centennial Dormitory, and a second hockey rink.
The headmaster continued to teach until his retirement in 2001. During his 30-year tenure at Taft, Lance Odden became a leading figure in the roster of New England secondary school headmasters. In his years as headmaster he repeatedly echoed Horace Taft’s stated goals to “educate the whole (child)” and to urge upon his largely privileged students the importance of using their educations to contribute as responsible citizens and humane leaders in the world.
William R. MacMullen ’78, 2001–
In February 2001, the Board of Trustees appointed its first Taft-educated headmaster: William R. MacMullen, ’78. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale and his master’s degree from Middlebury. MacMullen was hired as an English teacher in 1983, and had served as dean of faculty, dean of academic affairs, a college counselor, a class dean and boys’ varsity soccer coach. As headmaster with a passion for teaching, he continues to offer a senior-level class in English. His wife Pam is also an English teacher, dean, and coach at Taft. “Mr. and Mrs. Mac,” as they are affectionately known by students, have two boys, John and Tom. MacMullen is the school’s fifth headmaster in its 119-year history.
Under his leadership, the school has added Walker Hall, the new Moorhead Academic Center, the installation of an artificial turf athletic field, the creation of the Global Studies Department, expansion of the office of Multicultural Affairs and Education, a steady increase in financial aid as well as increased diversity of the faculty and student body.
The most significant change in recent years is the renovation of Horace Dutton Taft Hall [1914] that included the expansion of the dining halls and restoration of the founder's residence.into the Moorhead Wing. Designed by the Gund Partnership of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the wing include Laube, Prentice and East dining halls and the Mortara Academic Wing.