by Frank Lee
St. John’s Preparatory School officials have recently announced the Collegeville-based institution has found its next principal after a nationwide search.
Pamela McCarthy was selected and will start at SJU April 15. McCarthy is the interim assistant division director and dean of students for the Latin School of Chicago.
“We are delighted to welcome Ms. McCarthy to our school community,” said the Rev. Jonathan Licari in a statement as the headmaster. “Having served as both a teacher and an administrator, Pamela brings a wealth of ideas and experience to St. John’s Preparatory School.”
McCarthy holds a master’s degree in education from DePaul University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from Quinnipiac University.
“Pamela is a dedicated educator with a passion for collaborating with faculty,” Licari said. “She creates an atmosphere that fosters professional growth and classroom innovations.”
Since becoming an administrator for the Latin School of Chicago, McCarthy has created and implemented new advisory curriculums for high-school students. She has also developed program changes and reconfigured the school’s disciplinary process.
“I am thrilled to move to Minnesota and join the St. John’s Prep community,” she said of the announcement. “There are a lot of great things happening on campus and I am excited to be a part it.”
McCarthy has also served the Latin School of Chicago as a teacher and a department chair besides serving as the interim assistant division director.
McCarthy visited St. John’s Prep on April 6 and took part in open meetings with parents, students and faculty. A selection committee made up of members of the board of regents, current parents, graduates and staff directed the national search and interview process.
“I am also excited to enhance those great things and discover what we as a community can do to make this school an even better place,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy will join the staff of St. John’s Prep in July. Matthew Reichert, who serves as the current principal, announced his resignation in January.
St. John’s Prep is a Catholic Benedictine, co-educational, day and boarding college preparatory school founded in 1857 for students in grades 6-12.
For more information about the school located on the campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, call 320-363-3321 or visit www.sjprep.net.