Following his 10 years of service to the Blue Ridge School Board of Trustees and three years at the Board Chair, William M. “Mitch” Rue, Jr. (BRS ’81) of Louisville, Kentucky, has been named Trustee Emeritus. The Board of Trustees approved the status during its October meeting.

During his years on the Board, Rue pushed for investment in the physical campus, from the development of the fitness center and the Baron Athletic Complex to the recently completed faculty housing project. Rue has always believed in the value of sharing the Blue Ridge School story and led the expansion of the School’s marketing efforts. Thanks in part to this effort, BRS has seen in recent years an increase in enrollment and a growing positive reputation in central Virginia. He also saw the need for more attention on technology and has consistently lobbied for greater internet access, a multi-media center, and creative space with modern, digital design and fabrication tools.

Rue says he is most proud of the cultivation of the Alumni Leadership Council, an important tool in the long-term health of the School. This alumni engagement program has led to increased and diversified financial support, even a new academic program on entrepreneurship.

Headmaster Trip Darrin says, “Mitch and I have averaged at least one hour-long phone call every week over the entirety of his 3-year tenure as Chair. Our relationship got off to a strong start and has only strengthened through substantial challenges we faced together. Through Mitch’s mentoring, teaching, and by his example, I have learned a great deal. I am grateful to call Mitch a friend.”

Rue is a graduate of the University of Alabama. He is an active member of Rotary International and St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church. He has more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and operations. Currently, he is an associate with the mergers and acquisitions firm NDA of Louisville.