SAN
FRANCISCO — (Sept. 2, 2011) The University of San Francisco proudly welcomes a
new director of its Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership (ICEL), Rev.
Stephen Katsouros, S.J. As Director of ICEL, Fr. Katsouros will lead the
program in its pursuit to provide unique and significant contributions to
Catholic and private education.
“Both
through his recent research and stellar practice, Dr. Stephen Katsouros brings
a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to ICEL, the School of
Education, and the University of San Francisco,” said Walt Gmelch, dean of the
School of Education at the University of San Francisco. “We welcome such an
esteemed Jesuit, grounded in the tradition of Catholic education, who possess a
national vision and practical perspective on advancing Catholic schools.”
Fr.
Katsouros, who has a strong background in private and Jesuit education, served
as president at New York’s Loyola School for the past nine years. Loyola School
is the only Jesuit, independent, and co-ed college preparatory secondary school
in the Tri-State Region. Born in Washington, D.C., Fr. Katsouros earned his master's
degree in administration at Harvard University and his doctorate in education
from Teacher’s College at Columbia University, where his research focused on
the characteristics of effective, high-performing boards of trustees. He
entered the Society of Jesus 1987 and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1998.
Since ordination, Fr. Katsouros has been assigned to many leadership positions
and has served on several boards, including serving as president of the Guild
of Independent Schools of New York City.
“Jesuit founder St. Ignatius Loyola said that
Jesuits should be involved in education ‘to influence those who will influence
others," said Fr. Katsouros. “It is a pleasure to direct ICEL, a program of
great influence that identifies, develops, and supports the leaders and
influencers of Catholic education.”
Reflecting
on his goals, Fr. Katsouros said he intends to use his new role to analyze the
current landscape of Catholic education, and use that knowledge to identify and
create new courses that meet those needs. Building on the rich 35-year history
of ICEL, Fr. Katsouros hopes to continue to provide community and support for
Catholic educators in the Bay Area and beyond.
Founded
within the USF School of Education in 1976, ICEL’s mission is threefold: to
offer a scholarly educational program relevant for Catholic and private school
personnel, to build a sense of community among the students and faculty who
pray together and serve others, and to prepare highly competent, effective, and
dedicated educators for Catholic and private schools. Currently, the program
includes 31 doctoral and 36 master’s degree students. ICEL has a strong
international student population, with students from Guam, Italy, Nigeria,
Australia, India, Colombia, and Ivory Coast pursuing degrees with the program.
About the University of San Francisco
The
University of San Francisco is in the heart of one of the most innovative and
diverse cities and features a vibrant community of students and faculty who
achieve excellence in their fields while building a more humane and just world.
University of San Francisco students, faculty, and alumni are involved in the
entrepreneurial city of San Francisco and work in all industries, from
technology to nonprofits. With dedicated
professors and exceptional academic programs to choose from, the university
offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the knowledge and
skills needed to develop into ethical leaders who are sought after in their
professions. USF’s diverse student body benefits from direct access to faculty,
small class sizes, and a broad array of programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Informed by the university’s 156-year-old Jesuit Catholic mission, the USF
community ignites students’ passion for social justice and the pursuit of the
common good. For more information about the University of San Francisco, please
visit www.usfca.edu.
