Dr. Lisa Kaenzig Begins Leadership Role as Foxcroft’s 11th Head of School

Holding a Ph.D. from William & Mary and a master’s degree from The George Washington University, Dr. Kaenzig comes to Middleburg from Hobart and William Smith (HWS) Colleges, where she served most recently as the Dean of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation & Director of the Centennial Center. Her 22-year career at HWS included 14 years as the dean of first-year women and seven years as the Dean of William Smith College. Dr. Kaenzig has also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), a national organization in Washington, DC, dedicated to encouraging young women to engage in the public policy process.

“From the earliest years of my career working to advance the role of women in politics to my 14 years serving as a dean of first-year college women and later as the dean of a women’s college, I have always been fully devoted to the advancement of girls and young women.” Her commitment to this work has already been demonstrated at Foxcroft, as Dr. Kaenzig took time in early July to meet with Foxcroft community members, attend the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Institute for New Heads, and spend time with incoming families during the New Family Social. “I am so thrilled to be with all of you here today, at my new home — and soon to be your new home, as well,” said Dr. Kaenzig to the newly enrolled students and families in attendance at the Social. “This is such an extraordinary place.”

In her roles at HWS and PLEN, Dr. Kaenzig’s work has been honored with special recognition. In June of 2025, she was honored with a Citation recognizing her “exemplary commitment and service to Hobart and William Smith” from the Alumni and Alumnae Associations there. In 2022, she was presented with PLEN’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2010, the members of the William Smith graduating class elected her as an honorary member of the Class of 2010. Dr. Kaenzig’s passion for all-girls education, empowerment, and advocacy will serve Foxcroft well as it continues to “give the world great women,” as founder Miss Charlotte once said.

Since moving back to Virginia and to campus over the summer, Dr. Kaenzig and her partner have settled into their new home at Covert. Dr. Kaenzig is married to Dr. Christine de Denus, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Together, they have two adult daughters, Morgan and Madison, who came to campus in June to help with the move.

With a dedication to all-girls education and a commitment to Foxcroft’s future, Dr. Kaenzig’s experience will no doubt benefit the School. Working closely with administrators, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees, Dr. Kaenzig’s leadership will guide the School through strategic planning to ensure it remains a strong institution for generations of girls and women to come, remaining true to Miss Charlotte’s original founding principles. “It will be my primary mission as the Head of Foxcroft,” she shared, “to make certain this extraordinary vision remains a reality each day for our girls.”