This article is an excerpt from the Winter 2026 Talcott Continuum newsletter. Download the full newsletter.
There is a unique stillness that has settled over our campus this winter. While the view from the top of Talcott Mountain is usually our hallmark, those of you local to our region know that the ridgeline is currently tucked away under a heavy blanket of snow, making it virtually impossible to take in the special view we know and love. Even as some of our favorite spots on campus take a winter nap, the energy inside our buildings is brighter than ever. This season of deep snow actually provides us a wonderful sense of focus, allowing us to lean into the vital work and vibrant discovery happening every day within our classrooms and laboratories.
This productive atmosphere is perfectly timed, as we have been working diligently to solidify the foundation for Talcott’s next chapter. In our last newsletter, we shared our newly adopted mission statement, which grounds and guides all that we do: “We are a pioneering STEM institution where education, research, and outreach inspire and empower advanced and curious learners.” Building on that foundation, I am proud to share that we have officially adopted a new vision statement that captures the heart of our mission:
“To foster scientific curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and the imagination needed to build knowledge, solve problems, and steward future generations of STEM innovators.”
To me, this vision is a promise—a commitment to ensure that every student who summits this mountain (even via a plowed driveway!) leaves with the tools to change the world.
To guide us toward that vision, I am also proud to introduce a new set of core values that define the Talcott experience: Explore, Inspire, and Innovate. We are committed to igniting curiosity through immersive discovery, equipping curious minds with the confidence to contribute to society, and pushing the boundaries of STEM through collaborative problem-solving. These aren’t just abstract concepts; they are the pillars upon which we are rebuilding and growing, ensuring that our small but mighty nonprofit remains a leader in specialized education.
Of course, a strong vision requires dedicated leadership. As many of you are aware, Dr. Kenneth Wright needed to depart Talcott Mountain Academy (TMA) mid-year due to unforeseen family circumstances that required his relocation. In the interim, I have stepped into the day-to-day life of the Academy as Interim Dean. Connecting with our students and faculty in this capacity has been a joy and a powerful reminder of why our work matters so much.
While I am enjoying my time in the hallways, the search for our next permanent Dean is moving forward. Our ad hoc search committee has been energized by the level of interest in the position; we received 40 applications from a diverse and highly qualified pool of educators and have since invited nine exceptional candidates for first-round interviews. The caliber of these individuals is a testament to Talcott’s reputation, and we are on track to announce our new Dean in the spring, with an official start date in the summer of 2026.
As a community, we’ve weathered our share of change over the last few years, but the clarity of our new path makes me incredibly optimistic. The snow will eventually melt and the ridgeline will reopen, but the work we are doing right now—strengthening our values and securing our future leadership—is what will ensure we are ready to reach even higher when spring arrives. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey with us.
Warmly,
Jeff Martin
Executive Director/Interim Dean, TMA