START DATE: JULY 2021 - URSULINE ACADEMY NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA PRESIDENT WWW.UANOLA.ORG AND GO.UANOLA.ORG
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Ursuline Academy
New Orleans, Louisiana
President
Start Date: July 2021
www.uanola.org and go.uanola.org
Mission
Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, founded in 1727 and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters, is a
Catholic school for girls offering a strong educational environment from early childhood through
a college preparatory secondary program. In a diverse community with an inspiring heritage,
Ursuline Academy fosters spiritual formation, academic excellence, and a life-long commitment
to Serviam: I will serve. The Academy values the uniqueness of each student, nurtures the whole
person, develops leaders of confidence and compassion, and prepares them for life in a global
society.”
Overview
Ursuline Academy of New Orleans was founded in 1727 by the Ursuline Sisters and holds the
distinction of being the first all-girls’ Catholic school in the nation. Today, the Academy honors its
legacy by inspiring and empowering girls — of every type — to blaze their own trails with confidence.
An Ursuline education is rooted in community and innovation. It provides a nurturing environment
for the learning and development of the whole person, based on values drawn from the vision and
philosophy of Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Order of Saint Ursula, in Brescia, Italy, in 1535. In
her life, she reached out in service and love to rich and poor alike. In her writings, she developed a
philosophy of personal formation, a commitment to justice, and promotion of self-discipline through
encouragement rather than compulsion in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and respect. Because
Ursuline Academy is dedicated to the moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of each individual,
these values inform all facets of the school’s approach to teaching and learning.
Today, the Academy’s challenging curriculum, inspiring visual and performing arts programs, diverse
selection of extracurricular activities, and competitive athletic offerings provide endless opportunities
for students to explore and cultivate interests and passions of all kinds. The Ursuline girl will find herself
in many roles: scholar, athlete, artist, explorer, leader, writer, mathematician, scientist, thespian, and
philanthropist. However, the most important role — the one she ought to always embrace — is being
herself.
At this time, Ursuline Academy seeks a new President who will honor the meaningful history the
Academy holds, while continuing to shepherd the community and curriculum into the 21st century.
Strong candidates will understand how to nurture the individual strengths and gifts of each student,
while showing her how to use her abilities to help those in her community — both within and beyond
the Ursuline campus.
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Core Values
Spiritual formation
Respect for the uniqueness of the individual
Development of the whole person
Development of a nurturing community spirit
Commitment to peacemaking
Serviam as a lived reality
Hallmark: Academic Excellence
Ideals: Courtesy, loyalty, and courage
Fast Facts
Total enrollment: 570
Students who identify as non-Catholic: 30%
Total faculty: 64
Average faculty tenure: 16 years
Average student to teacher ratio:
8:1 (Elementary School); 11:1 (High School)
School mascot: Lion
School History
Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula (twelve Ursuline Sisters from France),
Ursuline Academy of New Orleans enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously-
operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Because of their early
conviction that the education of women is essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual, and
just society, the Ursuline Sisters influence culture and learning in New Orleans to this day by providing
an exceptional education for its women.
After occupying a few different properties, in 1912 the Academy moved to its present location on
State Street. By 1927, Ursuline became a state-approved school — 200 years after its founding.
In the late 1980s, Ursuline added its Pre-Kindergarten Program and since then has devoted much
energy to facility improvement and expansion, with specific attention to creating updated spaces for
co-curricular activity.
Ursuline Academy proudly holds many historic “firsts:” the first female pharmacist was an Ursuline
Sister; the first woman to contribute a book of literary merit was a graduate; the first convent; the
first free school for ladies. It also provided the first classes for female African American slaves, free
women of color, and Native Americans. In the region, Ursuline provided the first center of social
welfare in the Mississippi Valley, first boarding school in Louisiana, and the first school of music in
New Orleans.
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The School Ursuline offers its students a challenging and contemporary curriculum with a faculty committed to supporting each student from reading her first words through graduation and beyond. An extensive art and music program, 1:1 technology tools, and a variety of athletic, academic, and arts-related extracurricular offerings distinguish an Ursuline education as one committed to whole person development. In large part because of its breadth and depth of offerings, Ursuline is a second home for all of its students — no matter her strengths or talents — and classmates are family. Achieving this type of strong community takes time and effort; faculty, staff, students, and families all play integral, active roles in making Ursuline what it is today. The Academy conscientiously builds its unique culture in each division. The early childhood program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to child development. Through discussion and observation, teaching faculty and students work together to identify interests, develop investigative projects, and establish continuous high-level learning; these practices in the Early Childhood Program are echoed all the way up to twelfth grade. Ursuline’s elementary school offers developmentally-appropriate academic programs and specialization classes that are the building blocks for high school studies. The secondary school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes rigorous academic coursework, as well as programs for the spiritual, physical, social, and emotional development of the individual student. Ursuline Academy is one of five schools sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, Central Province. The Academy is also a member of Ursuline Education Network (UEN), a collaborative effort of the Ursuline congregations formed to carry their global educational tradition into a new millennium. The school also holds affiliations with the National Association of Independent Schools, National Catholic Educational Association, and National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Academics Early Childhood A girl’s early years are a time of rapid and unique development; during those years, students benefit from the continuous evolution of a curriculum to meet their ever-changing needs. The Early Childhood program at Ursuline is consistently reviewed and revised to ensure that the curriculum and content reflect children’s growth. The schedule always offers a balance between active and quiet activities, providing ample opportunities for children to make mind–body connections. Religion, art, music, science, math, and language are integrated in all activities, which affords the children many ways to develop cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially. Lower School Literacy and skills of self-expression provide the foundation for Ursuline’s elementary level education. First- and second-grade students are challenged to become fluent readers through shared, guided, and independent reading, as well as lessons in word structure and grammar. Science and social studies themes leverage these skills and are enhanced by project-based learning opportunities, hands-on group activities, and experiments in the Lower School science laboratory. Mathematics incorporates concrete skills and invites students to apply those skills to real-world topics such as time, money, temperature, and patterning. Classes in Spanish, physical education, computer, art, and music meet twice per week. Ursuline third and fourth graders further hone their literacy skills by reading and discussing fiction and non-fiction literature, in addition to writing creatively and analytically. Social studies units focus on Louisiana history, U.S. regions, geography, and economics. Math challenges students with daily problem-solving exercises and long-term assignments, accompanied by periodic cumulative tests. The scientific method, weekly experiments, and unit tests provide hands-on science learning. Through The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
religion classes, students develop their relationship with the Church. Classes in French, physical education, computer, and art meet twice per week. Music curriculum for third and fourth graders includes a weekly orchestra class and a weekly general music class. First, second, and third grade students use iPad minis to support problem-solving, productivity, research, and collaboration skills. Middle School Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders receive accelerated instruction in core subjects. Language arts classes incorporate every genre of literature, and are complemented by vocabulary and grammar lessons, and analytic writing assignments. Girls explore earth, life, and physical science concepts through hands-on investigation and everyday application. Mathematical course work takes students through geometric constructions and problems; algebraic expressions, equations, and structure; probability and statistics; graphing equations and inequalities; analyzing square roots; the Pythagorean Theorem; and trigonometric functions. The social studies curriculum incorporates geography, civics, economics, and international current events in the contexts of World, U.S., and Louisiana history. Religion classes follow the Archdiocesan curriculum and include the study of sacramental life, Hebrew scripture, and the New Testament. Classes in French, physical education, computer, art, and music meet twice per week. Middle Schoolers also participate in Robotics competing as the only all-girls team against not only boys but also high school students. High School High school is a time to try new things, discover and explore interests, form lasting friendships, and make clear strides towards college and beyond. The academic program in the High School is designed to challenge students to grow as individuals with unique gifts and talents. Ursuline girls take math, science, English, social studies, and religion each year. Students also take health and physical education, two consecutive years of a foreign language, and at least one fine arts credit. Upper level electives are offered to accommodate nearly any specific interest or ability a student possesses. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
College Placement
The 78 graduates who comprised the
Class of 2019 were accepted at the
following colleges and universities,
among others:
Auburn University
Boston College
Case Western Reserve University
College of the Holy Cross
Durham University
Emerson College
Florida State University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Howard University
Indiana University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University New Orleans
Maryland Institute College of Art
Students in the Honors Program take honors-level courses Mississippi State University
in math, science, social studies, and English; three years of New York University
Latin; and at least two years of a modern foreign language. Northeastern University
Upper-level honors students will take Advanced Placement Oklahoma State University
classes in math, science, social studies, and English. Dual Samford University
enrollment courses are also available. Savannah College of Art and Design
Sewanee: The University of the South
As part of Ursuline’s 1:1 technology program, each high Southern Methodist University
school student is issued a MacBook. Integrating this Spelman College
technology in the classroom helps engage students, Texas State University
offers powerful collaborative and in-class possibilities, and The George Washington University
enhances 21st century skills. The University of Alabama
Tulane University
Service learning is integral to the Ursuline Academy University of Alabama at Birmingham
experience. The girls average 251 service hours which is University of California, Berkeley
twice what is required. University of Georgia
University of Holy Cross
College Counseling is available to girls and their parents University of Miami
throughout the high school years. In their junior year, University of Mississippi
students participate in the College Boot Camp, a day of University of New Orleans
different intensive workshops that aid them in the college University of Northern Colorado
application and scholarship processes. Additionally, University of Rochester
students are encouraged to attend college fairs, and Ursuline University of San Francisco
invites college admission representatives throughout the Villanova University
year on campus. Three percent of the seniors have been Williams College
named National Merit Scholars since 2012. Xavier University of Louisiana
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STEM and the Arts To succeed in tomorrow’s world, Ursuline Academy believes girls must learn to think creatively, articulate their ideas confidently and compassionately, and solve problems collaboratively. Through highly interactive experiences powered by STEM and the Arts – and a nurturing community diverse by design – the school develops tomorrow’s brightest independent thinkers, innovators, and community builders. The Smart Labs in the new leadership center help to emphasize the importance of project- based learning and cross-curricular projects. Arts and Athletics Arts programming at Ursuline celebrates the uniqueness of the individual and offers a broad spectrum of courses to encourage inner-growth and self-expression. Students explore visual arts through photography, film, sculpture, painting, functional art, and printmaking. They master their musical skills in chorus, strings, recorder, violin, and piano courses and acquire and perfect elocution and performance skills through speech, drama, and theater programs. Ursuline girls have the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports including basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track, gymnastics, sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. While Ursuline Academy is very competitive in all sports and has amassed district, regional, and state championships, the athletic program transcends wins, titles, and glory. Across age-levels and sports, girls develop confidence while learning the values of teamwork, perseverance, humility, and trust. These values remain with them on and off the field, preparing them for a successful academic career and beyond. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
School Life An Ursuline education is, at its core, devoted to the development of the whole woman. Though the Academy offers a 21st century education, it still remains dedicated to the long-standing traditions of courtesy, loyalty, and courage to prepare students for leadership and service to their churches, schools, communities, and the world. Thus, students in every division value Ursuline as a place where they can deepen their personal spirituality, cultivate integrity, and expand their appreciation for diversity. In addition, the Academy offers ample opportunities for young women to explore co- curricular activities and build relationships based on shared interests; from debate team to the sailing club to yearbook, each Ursuline student cultivates her own interests and creative abilities. Ursuline’s service programs provide enriching opportunities to integrate and expand the student’s understanding of herself in relation to God, her community, and the world. Through these service engagements, Ursuline students grow spiritually while embracing the school’s motto, Serviam (“I will serve”). Service programs include engagements on campus and across the greater New Orleans region. Beyond Our Borders is Ursuline Academy’s high school immersion program, which affords students the opportunity to take their service work to a new level. Each year, a small group of students leave the comforts of home for an adventure in service learning. Previous expeditions included Guyana, Belize, Central America, and North America. On each trip, girls lived in impoverished villages, getting a sense of a life much different than their own. The service learning program allows students to focus on a specific service area each year: 8th grade – the elderly; 9th grade – children, education, and literacy; 10th grade – people with special needs; 11th grade – hunger, poverty, and homelessness; 12th grade – environmental ethics. The Office of Campus Ministry is another pillar of Ursuline culture. Catholic tradition, the counsels of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline order, and the Ursuline philosophy of Serviam are The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 9 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
the guideposts of the ministry. Campus Ministry focuses specifically on challenging and nourishing the spiritual life of every student through promotion of active participation in daily school prayer, Eucharistic Liturgies (Masses), and prayer services. Additionally, students devote their time and energy to serving others both in the broader community (including local, national, and global) and in the school community through their involvement in class retreats and as peer ministers. Campus Ursuline’s current campus, built in 1912, is located in the University Area of Uptown New Orleans. The Academy spans 11.5 acres, the equivalent of more than 8 1/2 football fields. Highlights around campus include a state-of-the-art auditorium, a black box theater, a dance/yoga studio, a weight room, a cardio room, two athletic courts, an indoor elevated track, an on-campus softball field, a batting cage, three courtyards, upgraded high school and elementary school science labs, a renovated art studio, two tennis courts, and an outdoor classroom. New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, located on the Mississippi River and near the Gulf of Mexico, is beloved for its vibrant art and music scene; rich and flavorful cuisine that reflects its influences of French, African, and American cultures; and round-the-clock activity, which includes everything from Mardi Gras to Super Bowl victories. From historic homes and streetcar rides to epic cemeteries and world-class museums like the National World War II Museum, the culture of New Orleans (NOLA) is as riveting and compelling as can be. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 10 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
The city offers a multitude of attractions; however, the French Quarter may be its most famous. Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of NOLA’s most historic neighborhoods, buzzing with everything from ghost tours to awe-inspiring architecture from bygone days. That being said, the French Quarter deftly mixes the new with the old: there’s a reimagined French Market, modern boutiques, and artisan cocktail spots mixed with beloved antique stores and old restaurants. Like the Creole aristocrats lining the galleries of the Historic New Orleans Collection, the French Quarter is a timeless portrait, and one that invites modern day life to thrive against the rich backdrop of New Orleans culture and tradition. New Orleans is so much more than the French Quarter, though. With dozens and dozens of festivals a year and an array of colorful events most every weekend. The birthplace of jazz is also home to a world-class philharmonic orchestra, ballet, and other dance companies, both touring and locally produced theater, and a rich array of museums and art exhibitions. Festivals and theaters are complemented by an active athletics scene. teams like the Saints (football), the Pelicans (basketball), and even the Tulane Green Wave sports, everyone has something to cheer about, and exciting sporting events take place year-round. The one thing that everyone who visits or lives in New Orleans knows is that food is spiritual sustenance. Part of the city’s culture is reflected in the food, known around the world for its interesting spices and seafood base. From the haute cuisine of the fine French restaurants to earthy fried oyster po’-boys at neighborhood restaurants, the cuisine reflects the diversity and eccentricities of this port city. Thanks to the tightly woven fabric of New Orleans neighborhoods, it’s easy to live in a house where restaurants, dry cleaners, groceries, banks, and pharmacies are just a few blocks away. New Orleans is a cultural hub unlike any other in the country. It is rich in history and culture and has no end of opportunities to learn and explore. Diverse and storied, New Orleans can do many things, but it never, ever disappoints. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 11 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Opportunities and Challenges
The new President of Ursuline Academy will have the distinct honor of leading the oldest Catholic
school in the nation. This high-profile institution is steeped in the rich tradition of the Ursuline
Sisters, and the celebration of the Academy’s 300th anniversary will be an amazing opportunity to
commemorate the trajectory of excellence that the school has enjoyed from its founding. All aspects
of school operations are extraordinary. That said, competition for students is keen in New Orleans
requiring leadership that can create demand for the unique gifts of an Ursuline education.
Candidates should be mindful of the following opportunities and challenges:
• Raising the profile and value proposition of an Ursuline education in the broader community.
• Increasing the capacity of the school to offer more generous financial aid to its students.
• Stabilizing and growing the enrollment in all grades.
• Increasing the endowment through rigorous fundraising and friend-raising.
• Implementing and executing the goals of the strategic plan.
• Working with the board to design and execute a capital campaign for new construction and
deferred maintenance needs.
• Continuing to advance the academic programs by cultivating the best practices of teaching and
learning and by recruiting and retaining a highly qualified faculty and administration.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 12 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.comDesired Qualities and Characteristics
The Academy operates in the President/Principal Model and seeks a mission-driven entrepreneurial
leader who is unapologetically Catholic. The next President will need to be highly relational, visionary,
and committed to embracing and promoting the school’s powerful Ursuline values. Acknowledging
and celebrating the past, while capturing the present and envisioning the future will certainly be
expected of the next President of Ursuline Academy.
The following qualities and characteristics are expected:
• Humble servant leader who will provide spiritual direction and inspiration, embracing the Ursuline
and Catholic values of the institution.
• Holds an advanced degree with proven administrative success in independent or Catholic schools.
• Dynamic, resilient, and creative leader who possesses excellent communication skills.
• Intuitive problem-solver with strong financial and business acumen.
• Poised and polished communicator who can build community and support.
• Team builder with strong values and personal integrity.
• Embraces academic excellence and research-based best practices of teaching and learning by
providing robust standards of professional development.
• Ability to express confidence in decision-making and establishing a strong sense of teamwork
within the school community.
• Cultivating a strong relationship within the larger and very unique New Orleans community.
The board welcomes candidates from other Catholic or independent schools and as well as
accomplished executives from other mission-critical career venues such as higher education; non-
profit foundations, associations, charities, and the like; or the corporate, civic, and professional
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 13 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.comservices arenas. While knowledge of education and school operations is preferred, other qualities
and experiences are also valued, especially visionary, entrepreneurial leadership and the ability to
inspire, lead a high performing team, and create demand for the extraordinary gifts of an Ursuline
Academy education.
To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate
documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:
• A thoughtful cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A one-page statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice;
• A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each
(references will not be contacted until or unless a serious mutual interest is established and not
without the candidate’s permission) to:
Bob Regan
Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice
bob.regan@carneysandoe.com
Barbara Daush
Senior Consultant
barbara.daush@carneysandoe.com
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 14 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.comYou can also read
