Image | Courtesy of New England Innovation Academy
Students at New England Innovation Academy
March 31, 2025
Marlborough innovation academy names former Wentworth dean as next head of school
Photo | Courtesy of New England Innovation Academy
Durga Suresh-Menon, head of school at New England Innovation Academy
New England Innovation Academy in Marlborough has named a former dean at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston with a background in cybersecurity as its next head of school.
Durga Suresh-Menon will take over leadership of the boarding and day school for grades 7 through 12 effective July 1, according to a Monday press release from the school.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Suresh-Menon to NEIA,” Jean Jones, chair of the board of trustees for NEIA, said in the press release. “Dr. Suresh-Menon has an exceptional track record, commitment to technology in education, creativity and inclusivity, and a vision for the future that aligns perfectly with NEIA’s student-centered mission and community values.”
Prior to joining NEIA, Suresh-Menon spent 23 years at Wentworth, most recently serving as dean of the School of Computing and Data Science and dean of graduate education, according to her LinkedIn profile. She holds a doctorate in computer engineering with a focus on cybersecurity from Northeastern University in Boston and a master’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
“I am honored and thrilled to join New England Innovation Academy, where a competency-based education is essential for preparing students to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity,” Suresh-Menon said in press release. “In an era of accelerating technological advancements and emerging cyber threats, fostering adaptive, skills-driven learning is critical to developing the next generation of innovative and resilient digital leaders.”
Suresh-Menon replaces interim Head of School Rick Hardy in the role. Hardy, a senior advisor for the school, had been filling the role since January after the departure of the school’s first leader, Thomas Woelper. Woelper helped found NEIA before departing in October to serve as head of school for Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, according to a LinkedIn post from the Connecticut school.
Founded in 2021, the private school has drawn international students from countries like Uganda, Jamaica, and South Korea with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. NEIA’s first class of 15 students graduated in the spring of 2024.
The school received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in January 2024. NEIA was the site of the NEXTGEN USA student entrepreneurship conference in March.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
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