High-Impact Leadership in Catholic Education

A guide to the high-impact leadership that is essential for realizing successful, vibrant Catholic K-12 schools, colleges, and universities/

Recent studies by educational organizations, such as the National Association of Independent Schools, have found that aspiring leaders believe they lack preparation in areas such as financial planning and fundraising, human resource and legal issues, trustee governance, risk management, and addressing polarization within their school community.

High-Impact Leadership in Catholic Education proposes that contemporary Catholic K-12, college, and university leaders embrace a fundamental, high-impact approach to all aspects of the academic organization. This high-impact model examines the centrality of the Catholic mission; the strategic plan as an institutional road map; steps to foster a safe, vibrant community with a financially sound future; the critical importance of risk assessment and crisis management; the unique role of trustees; and the qualities that characterize high-impact leadership. On the basis of Dwyer’s extensive experience in teaching and administration in American Catholic universities and independent schools, each chapter also includes critical questions for reflection and a pertinent case study.

This book is aimed at leaders in Catholic education at K-12 and higher education levels. It will be particularly interesting to administrators of Catholic institutions who aspire to be presidents, principals, heads of school, and senior leaders.

Judith A. Dwyer, PhD, has served as head of school at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (2014-21), president of Saint Xavier University (2003-9), and executive vice president and chief operating officer at the University of St. Thomas (1998-2003). She has contributed to and edited a number of books, including The Challenge of Peace (Georgetown University Press, 1984), Questions of Special Urgency (Georgetown University Press, 1986), The New Dictionary of Catholic Social Thought (1994), and Ethical Viewpoints in the Catholic Tradition (Georgetown University Press, 1999).