Remembering Former Head of School Richard M. “Dick” Dolven (1932–2026)

Gould Academy was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard “Dick” Dolven, who served as Head of School from 1969 to 1975.

Dick Dolven arrived at Gould in the middle of turbulent times, both for the nation and for the school. In fact, during the year prior to his arrival at Gould, the school had gone through three Heads of School in one year. He calmly, thoughtfully, and deliberately led the school into a much calmer period from 1969 to 1975.  Times changed greatly over that relatively brief period, but Dick’s steadiness, rooted in his core beliefs, provided a stable foundation amid the many changes unfolding in the world around him.  

He came to Gould from Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania and left after seven years to pursue academic challenges elsewhere in the country.

He was the essence of a “Renaissance person,” as beautifully expressed in his self-prepared obituary, which listed some of his many accomplishments.

“Birth and death are only a rearrangement of matter by the presence or absence of the life force. I was a lifelong seeker and searcher for the origins of everything. Thus, a degree in Geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Divinity degree from Yale University, and a trek in Nepal. I walked 100 miles on the Camino, with the love of my life, Barbara, to Santiago de Compostela; explored China and the Galapagos; and haunted Monasteries throughout Europe and America. Once again, I am rearranged and continuing the search elsewhere. I retired from life a grateful and satisfied guest, departing a gracious host on May 6, 2026.”