The Frederick Gunn School Names Dean of Belonging and Inclusion

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Kang attended boarding school at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Haverford College. At Haverford, Kang was a member of the men’s lacrosse team for two seasons and also competed for the Korean National Lacrosse Team during the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship in Denver. He received a master’s degree in teacher leadership from Mount Holyoke College, where his capstone project centered around supporting and retaining teachers of color in independent schools.

“Ben’s experiences, as a student, athlete, teacher, coach, advisor, and advocate, have prepared him to make a substantial impact on The Frederick Gunn School. Throughout the search process, Ben distinguished himself as a values-driven emerging leader who has the holistic student experience firmly in his view. The search process engaged a broadly representative team of faculty and administrators, with student input as well. Everyone is excited for Ben to join the community at Gunn and build on the legacy of belonging and inclusion that dates back to our founders,” said Head of School Emily Raudenbush Gum.

Most recently serving as a Math Faculty member at his alma mater St. Andrew's, Kang has also made significant contributions outside of the classroom as Asian Student Union Affinity Faculty Leader, East Asian Affinity Faculty Leader, Advisor, Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, 9th Grade Dorm Head, International House Faculty Leader, and 10th Grade Co-Academic Dean. Before rejoining St. Andrew’s, Kang taught math at Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where he also served as a dorm head, student advisor, and coach. Kang also taught seventh and eighth grade math at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, where he was also a member of the DEI Committee, a Korean language instructor, and an AAPI Affinity Group leader.

At Gunn, Kang will play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment within the school community as a faculty member, advisor, coach, house parent and ultimately as the leader of the school’s belonging and inclusion work. In this role, he will direct all of the school’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts aimed at promoting a culture of belonging and inclusion that engages students in classroom settings, co-curricular activities, student life experiences and residential life responsibilities. Through this work, he will serve as a mentor, advocate, and resource for students, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

“I am excited to get started as The Frederick Gunn School’s Dean of Belonging and Inclusion and to meet our students upon their return in September,” Kang said. “At the core of my work will be a commitment to promoting a sense of belonging among all students and employees, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. Working in partnership across our campus with faculty, admissions, development and Trustees will ensure that our commitment to belonging and inclusion is strongly considered in all that we do as we continue to build on the overall momentum of the school. Throughout the interview process it was described as an incredible time to be at Gunn and I simply cannot wait to get started.”