Longwood Gardens today announced the appointment of Sarah Cathcart as Vice President of Education. The appointment is effective June 8. Cathcart fills the position vacated by Dr. Douglas Needham, who retired after a distinguished career in higher education, including 10 years of leading Longwood’s renowned education programs and creating strategic international initiatives.
Cathcart comes to Longwood from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK, where she was Head of Education and Learning. While at RHS, Cathcart was responsible for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening with approximately 30,000 participating schools. In addition, she oversaw the quality and direction of RHS’s education programs for school-age children through Master of Horticulture programs and actively sought strategic collaborations and partnerships to advance RHS’s educational mission.
As Vice President of Education, Cathcart will oversee the development, implementation, and coordination of Longwood’s global education programs which include: the two-year Professional Gardener Program; The School & Youth Program, which attracts 45,000 students online and in person; The Co-Op Program; Continuing Education Program for adults; the High School and University Internship Program; the International Internship and Training Program; the 13-month Longwood Fellows Program; and the Longwood Library and Archives.
“Our global search for a Vice President of Education attracted many talented candidates,” said Longwood Gardens President and Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman. “Sarah’s years of experience both in the classroom and in developing and implementing a spectrum of educational programs that elevate the art and science of horticulture made her the perfect fit for this position. We are excited to have Sarah continue to grow and advance our many important education initiatives,” Redman said.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Education Department at Longwood Gardens,” said Cathcart. “Longwood is viewed as a world leader in horticulture education and I look forward to not only continuing, but elevating its programs around the world.”
About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and a 4-acre grand Conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts. Longwood’s foremost influence on American horticulture has been through its Education programs, in keeping with Mr. du Pont’s desire to establish “a school where students and others may receive instruction in the arts of horticulture and floriculture.” Since 1958, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in one or more of Longwood’s intensive programs, ranging from School & Youth Programs which educates 45,000 students both online and in person each year, to the two-year Professional Gardener Program to the Longwood Fellows Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the country’s top horticultural institutions. For more information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
