Faculty Unbound: Tom Pallante
What are your primary roles at MSA?
Dean of Students, Photography instructor and softball coach
What made you decide to live and work on the Hill?
I visited and interviewed at Miller during Spring Honors in 2008. The beauty and magic of Miller was on full display that day, and Spring Honors continues to be one of the most spectacular days of the year at Miller. I immediately recognized that there was something dynamic and unique about the program, and I wanted to be part of creating that culture.
Since then, I have realized the tremendous value in Miller’s Honor Code. I believe Miller brings out the best version of students academically, socially, and in character development. This place is so much more than a school.
Living and working on the Hill also provided our family the most unique experience- this campus is home to my children. Lily, now a sophomore here, was 1 year old when we arrived. Ty was born here, and will enroll as an 8th grader in a year. They have spent their lives interacting with students from different cultures, attending sporting events and drama productions, and have explored every inch of this beautiful campus. It was an easy decision to join this community, and an easy decision to stay each year.
Most memorable teaching, coaching, or student-life experience?
Coaching in the baseball program for 13 years has been the most memorable experience in my 15 years at Miller. Specifically, the state semi-finals in 2019 stands out. We were down 10-1 in the top of the 5th inning and ended up winning 15-12 to advance to the State Finals. We won our third consecutive State Championship that year. The baseball program is one of a kind.
Working with students in the classroom and then coaching them on the field cultivates a different level of understanding of who they are as people. You get to see a different kind of work ethic, passion, resiliency. Celebrating that hard fought win in 2019, and watching them earn that victory was powerful, and I will always remember that moment.
If you were not an educator, what would you be?
An active artist, painter, and coach.
Favorite aspect of living on campus?
All of it. We are an outdoor family, so we hike the trails, paddle board, ride bikes, and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular campus. I enjoy being close to the school, and engaging with students, families, and colleagues every day. Miller provides the perfect balance of solitude and community.
Most memorable lesson learned from students at MSA?
The cultural diversity and experience of seeing students from distant corners of the world co-exist, learn from one another, and develop positive, life-long friendships is powerful.
Favorite place to go or thing to do on MSA’s 1,600-acre campus?
I do not want to reveal, it is special.
We have explored every corner of this wonderful campus and none disappoint. Floating on the lake while watching a bald eagle soar above is a special spot my family holds near and dear. Snow sledding down the hills throughout campus is unmatched. The Hill is special, when you are here, you get it.
Movie you have watched the most times in your life?
Rocky II-IV
Dream trip?
The only place I want to be is a baseball or softball field my kids are playing in the summer! That is my happy place right now. I live in the present moment, and for now, that is savoring the days my kids are young. Our daughter wants to go to the Cayman Islands after developing friendships with students from there, so maybe that will be a trip we plan.
Pets?
Captain, 3 year old Goldendoodle
Lola, 11 year old Black Lab
What did you want to do when you grew up (when you were in high school)?
I wanted to be an active artist, it was and is when I’m my most authentic self. In high school, I wanted to own a t-shirt/ design company in California.
