CSB Celebrates a Decade

The Center for the Study of Boys has come a long way from the discussions in Dr. Kim Hudson’s cramped office. Just recently, the organization celebrated its ten-year anniversary with a series of special programs on campus. Among these was a packed night in Ryan Recital Hall, which was organized by Dr. Hudson and headlined by speakers like Mr. Tom Batty, the Director of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC).
Over ten years ago, a group of forward-thinking educators formed the Center for the Study of Boys, dedicating themselves “to be[ing] a global thought lead-er in best practices for educating boys [and] serving as a resource for educators and parents seeking expertise in raising boys.”

This means the Center focuses not only on improving education for St. Christopher’s boys but also boys around the world. There are many different aspects of the CSB that help to accomplish this mission, but possibly the most integral part is the student advisory board. This advisory board began with the creation of the Center, but back then it was only composed of the six or so boys who hung out in Dr. Hudson’s office. According to her, over the years the “advisory board has grown significantly both in terms of number of students involved and in reach.” Today, the board is made of over 30 juniors and seniors who not only advise the Center, but also help to support events like the Center for the Study of Boys Ten-Year Event.
 
As a member of the board myself, I have first-hand experience putting together different programs like the “Journeys to Manhood” chapel series, which is a speaker event held a couple times each year. Advisory board members also work as tour guides for guests, readers of introductions for speakers, student panelists and more. In this way, students play an instrumental role in the Center’s routine function.
 
Ten years after the founding of the CSB, it set out to put on the largest and most complex event yet for its anniversary: one that would rely heavily on both the faculty and student board members. The event brought together some of the foremost experts on boys education and health: Mr. Batty, Dr. David Bell (Director of the Young Men’s Clinic at NYC Presbyterian hospital), Ms. Janetta Lien (Head of Enrollment at the Browning School of NYC) and Dr. Joseph Nelson (Chair of the Black Studies Program at Swarthmore College). Over the course of three days, this distinguished group of panelists convened on campus to engage with students, parents and faculty.
 
They addressed the challenges boys face globally and explored ways to overcome them, advancing the Center’s mission to serve as a global leader in best practices for boys’ education. Each panelist contributed insights drawn from their unique expertise in boys’ education and health.
 
According to Dr. Hudson, the event accomplished many goals for the CSB, including the creation of “increased awareness of the work of the Center” by introducing it to many members of the community. It also further enriched the perspectives of students through collaboration with experts like those in the aforementioned panel. The second goal of the event was to take the Center “one step further into being a global leader in the education of boys” by making a resonant outward impact. After visiting St. Christopher’s, these visiting experts can now take the wisdom and research done by the Center back to their own schools or institutions. Lastly, the event successfully expanded the conversation about boy’s education at St. Christopher’s.
 
Through a variety of pro-grams and events, such as individual research presentations, Q&A sessions and other interactive activities, the visiting experts enriched the STC community with fresh insights into both boys’ academic and physical development.
 
The insights of Mr. Batty and others underscore the pivotal role boys’ schools play in shaping future leaders. By addressing challenges facing boys with intention and leveraging their unique ability to adapt education to boys’ needs, St. Christopher’s and other boys’ schools are uniquely positioned to cultivate ethical, compassionate and resilient young men prepared to lead in an ever-changing world. The Center for the Study of Boys remains dedicated to exploring these ideas and fostering conversations that support the growth and success of boys everywhere.