As this year’s Model United Nations season came to a close, the search for an additional faculty sponsor began. Until recently, Jeanne Barr, upper school history teacher and founder of the group in 2003, was the only faculty advisor. Now, Barr will be joined by her colleague, Upper School history teacher Kevin Conlon in managing one of Parker’s largest clubs.

The opportunity for a second faculty advisor was a recent development. Conlon said, “Mr. Brandon put out an announcement to the faculty to see who was interested in being a Model UN co-advisor after the administration decided another advisor was necessary.” As the only faculty advisor Barr was responsible for almost 80 students, which the administration believed was too large of a burden.

Conlon was interested, as he has been involved in MUN over the past 4 years as a chaperone. “Mr. Conlon has been a sort of pseudo-faculty advisor,” Charlie Moog, junior and MUN captain, said. “He has been coming on trips for a while.”

This position seemed to be a good fit for Conlon. “I would love do do this… I teach international relations, I teach history, so it is very much up my alley,” Conlon said. “I have loved travelling with Model UN to different events internationally and nationally. Now is a great opportunity for me to officially get involved.”

The responsibility of a MUN faculty advisor is to guide students through the processes and preparations for the events. Conlon plans on lessening the workload for Barr by providing help where it is needed. “He brings a lot of chops to the position in terms of his ability to work with students on developing nuanced and understanding historical context and contemporary context,” Barr said. “He knows more about contemporary world affairs than anybody I know personally.”

This is a large task that will add to Conlon’s duties. Conlon said, “The co-advisor position is actually an additional duty similar to being a gradehead.”

Those who are currently involved in MUN have no doubt that Conlon is fit for this new position. Barr said, “Conlon joining is a very natural evolution as he is an extraordinary world historian.”

“He is wise and a great teacher and leader,” Moog said. “I am excited to see what perspectives he brings to the MUN team.”

“I am very excited to be more involved with the Model UN program with this position I will have next year,” Conlon said, “I am looking forward to getting into this position officially next year.”