Dennehy Named Dean of Students, Cox Appointed Director of Residential Life

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, soon-to-be Head of Student and Academic Life Will Gilyard ’98 announced Patrick Dennehy would serve as the Dean of Students at Choate Rosemary Hall, effective July 1, 2026.

"Mr. Dennehy has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a student-centered community grounded in compassion, integrity, and respect," Gilyard wrote in an email to the Choate community. "His leadership has helped strengthen advising systems, improve residential life practices, expand leadership programming, and create more equitable and thoughtful student support structures."

Dennehy may be new to the role of Dean of Students, but he is far from a stranger. In 2004, he made his way to Wallingford and immediately made an impact. Over more than 20 years, he has worn many hats, including but not limited to, Associate Director of Athletics, Associate Director of Admission, House Mentor, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, and Advising Task Force Co-Chairperson. Not to be forgotten, he also served as the Boys' Varsity Hockey Team Head Coach for 17 years, earning New England Hockey Coach of the Year honors in 2010.

In recent years, he has led the Choate Leadership Experience program and served as the Form Dean for the Classes of 2017 and 2020. For the past six years, he has been the Associate Dean of Students and Residential Life, overseeing residential life across campus, and mentoring heads of house and student leaders.

"Whether advising students, supporting families, mentoring faculty, or collaborating with colleagues, he approaches his work with authenticity, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose," Gilyard added. "His experience, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to students make him exceptionally well-suited for this important leadership role."

As Dennehy assumes his new role, Aliya Cox will step in as Choate Rosemary Hall's next Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, effective July 1, 2026.

"Aliya leads with humility, empathy, and integrity, and she has become someone to whom many members of our community turn for support, perspective, and advice. We have full confidence that those qualities will continue to serve her well in this new role and grow even stronger in the years ahead," Dean of Students Will Gilyard ’98 writes.

Prior to serving as Director of Residential Life, Aliya served as a Form Dean, Head of House in Memorial House, and head coach of the Choate Rosemary Hall Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. In addition, she has contributed to numerous School committees and initiatives, advised student organizations, taught wellness, served on the Faculty Committee, and mentored students and colleagues.

In her new role, Will says Aliya will "help shape and strengthen the systems, programs, and relationships that support student life at Choate."

"Her experience as both an administrator and dean uniquely positions her to advance our residential, leadership, and advising programs, support faculty in their work with students, and partner closely with the Dean of Students Office to foster a safe, healthy, and vibrant community," he adds.

In Aliya's absence as a Form Dean, Emily Osterhout will join the Class of 2028 dean team alongside Ms. Homan and Mrs. Dennehy, effective July 1, 2026. 

Note: This article was updated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to reflect the appointment of Aliya Cox as Director of Residential Life and Emily Osterhout as Form Dean for the Class of 2028.

Photo Credit: Joseph M. Avena is a Digital Content Producer at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing expertise in content creation and community engagement.

Editorial Credit: Ryan Shepard '14 is the Manager of Editorial Services at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing 10+ years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and content strategy.