Rolland M. Teel: The Founder Who Gave Severn Its Heart

Rolland M. Teel and his wife, Susan Ashley Teel, set out to build a school that would prepare young men for entrance into the Naval Academy. They called it Severn School.

More than a century later, Mr. Teel's name remains almost inseparable from the school he founded.

Born in 1885 in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Mr. Teel was an honors student from his earliest school days. He studied piano as a young man, then entered Lafayette College at seventeen, where biology became his passion. After graduation, he worked at the Museum of Natural History in New York City until an economic downturn cost him his job.

Several attractive business offers followed. He turned them all down and took a teaching position in Annapolis instead. That single choice would shape the lives of generations of students.

From age 28 to 81, Mr. Teel gave more than fifty years to Severn. He served as Principal for 41 years, a title that became Headmaster in 1955, and he taught at least one class every year. Even after stepping down, he chaired the Board of Trustees for more than a decade and kept teaching.

His wisdom guided the school through every major change. In 1971, he was consulted on whether Severn should become coeducational, and he gave the step his approval. He lived to see a sixth grade added in 1978, the same year he passed away at age 92.

Mr. Teel had a rare gift for drawing dedicated people to his side. People like Paul Kesmodel, Parker Lindsay, Robert Woods, Jonah Halsted, and Albert Hawkins devoted their own careers to Severn, giving the school a steady foundation.

Together, they helped fulfill Mr. Teel's dream of a school that, in his words, "would not become just a run of the mill secondary school, but one in which young people can come with a feeling that they can get something here that they cannot get elsewhere."

What does it take to build something that lasts? For Rolland Teel, the answer was simple: show up, year after year, and serve others with genuine joy.

Today, as we celebrate Rolland M. Teel's birthday, we are reminded that every student who walks Severn's halls inherits a piece of that vision. The school's growth, its welcoming spirit, and its high expectations all trace back to one man who chose a classroom over a boardroom. On this special day, we honor his memory and the legacy he left behind — a lasting invitation to every member of the Severn community to give generously, lead with purpose, and find delight in lifting others up. Happy Birthday, Mr. Teel.