August 29, 2024
For the love of teaching
Saluting two retiring faculty with a combined total of 46 years of service to Andoverby Nancy Hitchcock
Phillips Academy’s primary dance choreographer for 29 years, instructor in theatre and dance Judith Wombwell rejoices in fluid movement. Her vision has shone brightly in performances such as The Nutcracker and Appalachian Spring. Elly Nyamwaya, instructor in English, uses the written and spoken word to encourage students out of their comfort zones and expand their perceptions of the world—and ultimately themselves.
These two retiring faculty members, while practicing in disparate fields, both shared a desire to learn and teach, and a commitment to PA’s longstanding mission of non sibi.
Elly Nyamwaya
Instructor in English
Years at PA: 17
As the students drum rhythmically on their desks, the teacher matches their beat, intensifying the rhythm on an African drum, which signals a student to step forward and recite a poem at the front of the classroom. This is just one scenario of how instructor in English Elly Nyamwaya fosters engagement and a love of learning.
When Nyamwaya first arrived at Phillips Academy in 2007, he brought with him a student-centered teaching approach established while working in Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. “I want every student to find an entry into the discussion,” he explains, talking about the use of student-led discussions and presentations. “You have to create the environment where everyone is comfortable and everyone has a chance to say something.”
Over the years, Nyamwaya has taught a variety of courses, including African Identities in American Literature and American Identities in African Literature, which explore an array of texts and films from both cultures. The assortment of classes, he says, “gave me an opportunity to introduce voices, settings, and experiences that were different from what most of my students had previously been exposed to.”
Nyamwaya is admired by students and colleagues alike for his wisdom, calming presence, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Corrie Martin, instructor in English, praises his mentorship. “Elly has done so much to teach our students to be globally minded thinkers and creators,” she says. “I will continue to be inspired by his love for teaching, learning, and our students.”
Patrick Rielly, instructor in English, notes that students often rave about the transformative experiences they've enjoyed in Nyamwaya’s classes. “Elly’s name has become a byword for the kind of classroom experience that students know will elevate them and bring them closer to their best selves,” says Rielly. “As they move beyond Andover, they know they are better off for having shared classes with Elly.”
Judith Wombwell
Instructor in Theatre and Dance
Years at PA: 29
For nearly three decades, Judy Wombwell has infused the Department of Theatre and Dance with innovation, creativity, and passion. “Gorgeous, just gorgeous,” she says, praising pupils during class in the Pan Athletic Center’s dedicated dance space. Her teaching has inspired countless students, a few of whom have gone on to professional dance careers, including Graham Johns ’14 who joined the Boston Ballet immediately after graduating from PA.
Wombwell’s tenure saw the department expand from primarily ballet to a wide range of styles, including modern and postmodern techniques. And thanks to the Kayden Fund—established in 1970 to bring professional artists to campus—she invited innovative and renowned dancers and choreographers to interact with students and enhance their exposure to diverse dance perspectives. In addition to Kyle Abraham, Bill T. Jones, and Rennie Harris, another memorable Kayden Fund visitor was legendary choreographer Trisha Brown, who prompted students to perform in unique settings, including in the Addison Gallery and on rafts in the pool.
“These have been spectacular opportunities,” says Wombwell.
Wombwell came to Andover in 1995 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she was a dancer, choreographer, and lead instructor at Ballet Memphis for eight years. She was the head of Andover’s dance department from 1995 to 2020 and chair of theatre and dance from 2014 to 2020.
For many years, Wombwell produced the beloved community performance of The Nutcracker, which included not only students, but also staff, faculty, and faculty families. “Judy’s work on The Nutcracker engaged the full PA community,” says instructor in English Stephanie Curci. “Her generosity of spirit, patience, and love were visible in each and every performance.”
Collaborations with other departments led to innovative courses and shows, such as Dance on Camera, and student performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Wombwell also directed Appalachian Spring and Dido and Aeneas, cherishing the opportunity to combine live music with dance.
Caption for lead photo:
From left: Judy Wombwell, Dean of Faculty Jeff Domina, and Elly Nyamwaya. Photo credit: Tory Wesnofske.
Portrait photography by Dave White
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