Michael Esten Named New Director of Development

Austin Prep is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Esten as Director of Development, effective July 1, 2021.  Michael comes to Austin Prep after serving as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. for the past decade.

A Massachusetts native and a graduate of Boston University, Michael has spent his entire professional career in education.  His first job was teaching juvenile offenders in Boston before starting a career in independent schools. While working in boarding schools, Michael taught math, history, English, and Spanish and served as a coach and dorm parent.  He also held a variety of administrative roles including athletic director, dean of faculty, assistant head, and head of school.  In 2002, Michael transitioned his professional focus to fundraising and alumni relations when he assumed his first position as a director of development.  The fall of 2021 will mark the start of his 35th year in independent schools and his 20th year in the field of development.

Michael is a proud father and grandfather.  His son, Ted, serves as a combat medic in the United States Army and is currently stationed in Germany with his wife and son.  His son, Eric, works in education and lives in Cambridge (education could be considered the family business as the Esten Elementary School in Rockland, MA is named after Michael’s great-uncle).  A third generation Red Sox fan, Michael is going to miss the easy access to good seats he enjoyed at Camden Yards to watch the Sox play; but he notes that going to Fenway will provide some solace.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Esten to Austin Prep!