After 25 Years, Kelly Neely to Depart the School

She is leaving behind a lasting legacy as a teacher, department leader and architect of the Global Studies Diploma Program.

By Lea Abdulnour

Kelly Neely, earlier in her career, stops for a photo by Middlesex Road. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.

After 25 years of teaching, leading the History Department, and heading the Global Studies Diploma Program, Kelly Neely has announced she will be leaving the School at the end of this academic year.

Her departure marks a profound shift for the wing she helped build, as she prepares to move out of Massachusetts with her fiancé to begin a new chapter of her life. This transition is bittersweet for someone who essentially came of age within the School.

“It’s an emotional thing to leave a place that I’ve been at for so long,” Neely said. “I’ve spent most of my life at Brimmer at this point. I grew up here. I came right after college. So, the fact that I’ll be moving on to a completely different place, a different part of the country, is an adjustment, but I’m really excited for this new chapter.”

As a teacher and a department head, Neely has been a staple of the Upper School experience. She is an architect of the Global Studies Diploma Program, a legacy that has shaped how students view their place in the world.

Kelly Neely takes a moment to sit while chaperoning the 2019 Winterim trip to Croatia. (Joe Iuliano)

Kelly Neely takes a moment to sit while chaperoning the 2019 Winterim trip to Croatia. (Joe Iuliano)

Much like other long-term faculty members who have become part of the School’s very ecosystem, Neely’s presence has been felt by freshmen navigating their first introductory courses and by seniors putting the final touches on their capstone projects.

One of the primary reasons she stayed for so many years was the School’s deep sense of warmth and connection. Her impact on students has endured long after graduation.

Miles Munkacy ’19 took full advantage of the opportunities the Global Studies Diploma Program offered to help him better understand international relations.

In 2025, Cold War teacher Kelly Neely observes as her students present on the Cuban Missile Crisis. (Photo by Madison Perkins)

In 2025, Cold War teacher Kelly Neely observes as her students present on the Cuban Missile Crisis. (Photo by Madison Perkins)

Munkacy recalls how Neely had such a big role in his high school journey, helping him become a global citizen and assisting him as an advisor, three-time classroom teacher, Winterim trip leader, head of his chosen diploma program, and Model United Nations advisor.

“She cultivated and expanded my passion for international affairs,” Munkacy said. “She helped spur my development from a wide-eyed freshman to a Brimmer graduate equipped with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for the career I'm now beginning.”

Neely’s impact went further than just improving students’ experience at the School, and the relationships she has made with the rest of the faculty really highlight just how important and impactful her presence was.

Her co-department chair and office partner, Dr. Reese, has worked alongside Neely for 20 years, developing a close friendship and seeing firsthand how much she has meant to the community.

“I think she is amazing at balancing between having fun and enjoying the process of education,” Reese said. “Also making sure that the stuff that needs to get done gets done. She’s a great combination of professional and playful.”

While the School community is sad to see a department leader go, there is a collective sense of excitement for what lies ahead for her. Her departure follows a trend of faculty, who have cared deeply about the student experience and well-being.

Reflecting on the programs she nurtured, Neely said, “It’s been great to see the programs grow over time, especially in Global Studies and Model UN. I truly love how these kids are really interested in participating in those things, and I want to see that continue to grow.”

As the final weeks of the year wind down, preparation for Associate Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano’s return as Global Studies Director has become a primary focus for the administration.

Iuliano served as the Global Studies Program’s inaugural director for three years before turning the reins over to Neely. He now returns to a program that Neely helped expand and strengthen during her time as director.

As Neely prepares to leave in June, colleagues and students point to the Global Studies Diploma Program, Model United Nations and her emphasis on global citizenship as central parts of her impact on the School.

“I will miss everybody,” Neely said. “Keep exploring the world and pushing yourself to do great things.”

Editors’ note: The Gator wishes Ms. Neely and her fiancé the very best of luck in their new home and new life together.

Kelly Neely poses with her fellow Model United Nations chaperones Nicole Rudolph and Joe Iulinao. (Photo by Kelly Neely)

Global Studies Director Kelly Neely poses with her student Charlotte Wolfstich '27 before a presentation. (Photo by Joe Iuliano)

Global Studies Director Kelly Neely receives a visit from Yale student and Global Studies program graduate Stephanie Altschul ’25 at Model United Nations. (Photo by Joe Iuliano)

Model United Nations adviser Kelly Neely poses for a group shot with this year’s cohort before her delegates enter their respective committees. (Photo by Joe Iuliano)