As Associate Director for Multicultural Recruitment, Bez Wallace works to destigmatize the admission process and provide resources for prospective students to thrive.

“It’s a privilege to aid students who want to go to independent schools in finding their home.”

Bez’s relationship with independent schools started at Trinity Episcopal School in Virginia. He was a student athlete and sought a high school environment where he could further his skills and compete as a basketball player.  

Years later, basketball led Bez back to independent schools, this time as a coach. His wife Erin was a theater director at an all-girls boarding school in Maryland. When the school needed a basketball coach, Bez jumped in. He quickly became immersed in the community, serving as an advisor, music teacher, student group leader, and coach of multiple sports. His involvement in athletics led him to work with the admission team on student athlete recruitment at the all-girls school. Helping to bring more student athletes into the admission funnel was rewarding. “It made me realize that I can do this kind of work,” reflected Bez. 

He joined George School in 2021 as an Assistant Director of Admission with a focus in Multicultural Recruitment and Outreach, working with access organizations and community-based organizations to grant educational opportunities for students from underserved populations. Partnering with these organizations helps to build a richly diverse learning community where people with vastly different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can thrive. “We want to help them make their dreams come true. If the public school in their hometown isn’t well resourced, I think it’s important to try to help them,” Bez explained. “There is great value to be able to create an opportunity like that for a young person.”

Organizations like New Jersey SEEDS, Inspiring Minds, and other local and national groups work with schools like George School in providing tuition assistance and preparation for the rigor and commitment of independent schools. Many guide students through the interview process, introduce them to boarding school life, and arrange seasonal check-ins to ease the transition. 

“These partnerships consider how we can best support students throughout their academic journey, past getting admitted, ensuring they are taken care of and have the resources they need.”

As Bez transitions into his new role, he will continue his work with access organizations while increasing his involvement in international admissions, financial aid, and travel to schools and admission fairs.  

“Doing fairs and traveling is one of the best parts of my job. Making that initial connection with families is so rewarding,” he said.

Bez lives on campus with Erin and their three children and is a dorm parent in Campbell, so he particularly enjoys talking with families about the benefits of living and learning at George School.  

 “Our children have been a part of boarding schools since they've been born,” Bez said. “They have almost 30 brothers in the dorm they get to play with!”

“Having that built in community at your work is different, but it’s neat,” he continued. “As an admission officer, I’m not just talking about something the school offers; I’m talking about something I’m a part of. I could be the future dorm parent of the next student I talk to, and I can ensure families that their child will be taken care of and has the resources they need.”