Originally founded as a tutorial proprietary school in 1959 by Theodore Hecht, Brandon Hall historically has had its focus on the individual with either one-to-one or small group classes. The school eventually became a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-denominational college preparatory school. Subsequent presidents have been Harrison W. Kimbrell, Laurie S. Spigener, Gary Coker, and Paul R. Stockhammer, who was appointed in July 2001. Founded on the late Morris Brandon summer home estate, the entire school initially was housed in what is now known as Brandon Hall. Enrollment grew, additional facilities were built, and the school’s programs expanded. Brandon Hall was the first school in Georgia to be named a National School of Excellence (Blue Ribbon School).
Appointed July 1, 2001, Paul R. Stockhammer became the fifth President of Brandon Hall School. Having received both his bachelor of arts and master’s degrees from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, Mr. Stockhammer has over thirty years of experience in independent education. Having begun his professional career as a classroom teacher, Mr. Stockhammer was selected in 1971 as STAR teacher of Jackson High School where he served as a Chair of the English Department. He has been a member of the administrative staffs of such well-known schools as Woodward Academy, The Lovett School, and Marist School where he was known for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and innovation. From 1987 until 1994, Mr. Stockhammer was a senior member of the Brandon Hall administrative staff. During this period, he headed admissions, chaired the initial accreditation committee, and instituted the Parents Weekend and other aspects of school life that have become traditions at the school.
Prior to his appointment as President, Mr. Stockhammer served as the Headmaster of The Catherine Cook School in Chicago’s Old Town/Gold Coast neighborhoods. During his tenure, the school more than doubled in enrollment and developed one of the strongest college preparatory programs in the city. In June 2002, the American International Recognition Association recognized Mr. Stockhammer for his outstanding contributions to American independent school education. An Episcopalian, he has been active in various church, civic, and social organizations.
As chief executive officer of the school, Mr. Stockhammer has assembled a dedicated, experienced, and talented group of administrators and faculty members committed to the school’s historic mission of helping bright underachieving students "turn their potential into reality."
During Mr. Stockhammer's tenure, he has made the academic program more effective with curriculum revisions, instructional profiles for teacher effectiveness, better qualified and experienced faculty, a new schedule in which each class is followed by supervised study, and a new assistant headmaster for guidance and testing. Added have been school retreats and a greater sense of school community and school spirit. The dining hall and the dormitory have renovations that make them more comfortable and enjoyable.
In 2003, Mr. Stockhammer was elected to the board of directors of the Small Boarding School Association (SBSA). Mr. Stockhammer may be reached at pstockhammer@brandonhall.org.