After 15 years leading co-curricular programs and teaching history and literature at Blue Ridge School, Vinton Bruton is departing to become director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest at Hampden-Sydney College.
Bruton has been a crucial part of BRS’s campus culture and leadership team, overseeing advising, athletics, residence life, spiritual life, and discipline. Bruton formalized the School’s character education program and developed the Rites of Passage Expeditions, annual grade-level specific trips that promote class unity, independence, self confidence, and an appreciation for service to others. He also created the Outdoorsmen program that teaches interested students wilderness skills such as backpacking, archery, fire building, fly fishing, and firearm safety. Additionally, he has led several summer backpacking and fishing trips with students to Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Head of School Trip Darrin says, “We are so proud of all that Vinton has accomplished at Blue Ridge. He has taken character education to a whole new level, infusing the ethos into nearly every aspect of our co-curricular offerings. Together we have faced many challenges and embraced many opportunities. He was already accomplished when he arrived at Blue Ridge, yet I have seen him grow in his own leadership skills through his experience at this School. We will miss the entire Bruton family, but are excited for them in this new chapter of their lives.”
Bruton started at Blue Ridge School in the spring of 2008 as a history teacher. In 2012 he became assistant head for co-curricular activities and in 2021 was promoted to associate head for operations, all the while continuing to teach history and literature and serving as a leader for the Outdoorsmen program and as a student advisor. In 2020, Bruton led the task force that developed and implemented plans for uninterrupted education of students during the global pandemic. When students were allowed to return to campus after a government mandated closure, the task force created the plan to have students living on campus, attending classes in person, and participating in athletics and activities while mitigating potential exposure to COVID-19.
“Blue Ridge School has been both a wonderful home for my family and a rewarding career for 15 years,” says Bruton. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to impact the lives of our students and to help lead the school. I’m excited to open a new chapter in my professional life. I leave Blue Ridge School with many fond memories and I know the future is bright for Team Baron.”
A graduate of Wake Forest University, Bruton served as a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, including four tours overseas, until leaving active duty in 2008 with the rank of Captain. He served an additional three years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves reaching the rank of Major. He also earned a master of arts in leadership from Gordon College.
Hampden-Sydney College is an all-male, private, liberal arts college in Virginia. The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest provides students with opportunities to research and practice leadership skills for use in a variety of settings, from corporate boardrooms and civic organizations to politics and government agencies. The Center is also home to the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program, academic minors in national security and leadership in the public interest, and the College’s ROTC program.
Vinton Bruton and his wife Marla have been married for 24 years and have three children. As Blue Ridge School has been their home for so many years, Bruton says they are eager to return often to maintain friendships and to catch as many fish as possible in the lake.
