Jim Ventre ’79

Jim Ventre ’79, assistant head of school for admission and financial aid, joined the Phillips Academy faculty as a teaching fellow in English and admissions and later became an admission officer until 1986. After a brief time on Wall Street, he was appointed director of financial aid at Andover in 1990. Prior to becoming dean of admission in 2013, Ventre concurrently served as interim dean of admission and director of admission operations. He has served on numerous professional boards and has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in admission and financial aid, including the Gateway to Prep Common Application and scholarship efforts that broaden student access to independent schools.

Ventre has been celebrated for his work with underserved populations and has dedicated his career to working with students and their families to gain access to Andover. He is especially proud of Andover’s need-blind admission policy and has been an advocate and steward of the policy since it was adopted in 2008. Working with advancement leadership and trustees, he has helped to secure close to $200 million in financial aid support over two fundraising campaigns. 

In addition to overseeing the Office of Admission and Financial Aid, Ventre has been an academic advisor, coach, and house counselor. He served as interim head of school in 2019 and returned to his role as assistant head of school for admission and financial aid in summer 2020. In 2025, Ventre received the Everett C. Gourley award from E3n, previously the Enrollment Management Association. The award honors the educator whose interest in students and concern for colleagues is an inspiration to those who serve in admission. In Yield Magazine, Ventre shared that he is inspired by students whose resilience and courage help them rise up, and by colleagues who support one another with humility and care. “If I can help others feel valued,” he said, “then I know I have done the work that matters most.”

A graduate of Dartmouth College, Ventre’s strategic outlook and entrepreneurial spirit have benefited the campus community, alumni, families, and the wider independent school landscape. Recently, as part of Andover’s Leadership Development Program, Ventre completed certificates in change management from the Harvard Business School and Graduate School of Education. He lives on campus with his wife Kristen, their grown children Elaina and James, and their dog, Ralphie, born on Christmas day.