Message from the Head of School

Welcome to Buffalo Seminary

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I begin my tenure as SEM’s next Head of School. Since my appointment last fall, I have had the privilege of engaging with incoming and current students, staff and faculty, board members, and alumnae at myriad events, and the magic of SEM is palpable. I am honored to be joining this remarkable community.

Since 1851, SEM has fostered students’ confidence, competence, and authentic sense of self like only an all-girls education can. Through rigorous academics, a wide range of athletic, artistic, and social opportunities, and strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and each other, SEM prepares its students for genuine success. The size of the school ensures that each student will be known and have exceptional personalized opportunities throughout her academic career. The focus on community ensures that beyond the years spent within its walls, SEM will continue to provide a network of support in Western New York and across the globe.

This world needs more engaged citizens, STEM experts, and thoughtful leaders. SEM is uniquely poised to nurture and develop young women who will go on to “shape society, rather than be controlled by it.” Come visit and experience for yourself the sense of community, stimulating academic environment, and fun.

I look forward to meeting you.

Blair Parker

Click here to read Ms. Parker's Bio

Click here to read Ms. Parker's Bio

Blair Parker, a long-time educator and independent school administrator, comes to SEM from Friends Seminary, a K-12 school in New York City where she was Head of the Upper School. Over her two decades in independent schools, she has served in a range of teaching and leadership roles at four schools.

Blair immediately pursued teaching after graduating from the University of Virginia. As a member of the faculty at the Emma Willard School, she taught history, coached basketball, and supervised boarding students in the dorms. After two years at Emma Willard, she moved to another girls’ school, the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., where she taught history and government in grades 8-12, coached basketball and volleyball, and worked closely with student leaders. The opportunity to serve as a Class Dean at NCS inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in independent School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. After completing the program, Blair decided to stay in New York City, moving to the Riverdale Country School, a co-ed PK-12 school where she initially served as a Dean of Students before becoming Assistant Head of the Upper School. In addition to numerous administrative roles, Blair taught history for all eight of her years at Riverdale, coached the Boys’ Varsity Golf Team, and served as Director of Financial Aid.

Having spent most of her life in independent schools, Blair describes herself as a school person. She lives on SEM’s campus with her partner and their two young children. When she is not at a school activity, she enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking as well as playing golf and guitar.

Return to Home Page