Archdiocese of Milwaukee Names Dr. Kathleen Cepelka Superintendent of Schools
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee announced today that Kathleen Cepelka, Ph.D., has been hired as superintendent of Catholic Schools.
"Dr. Cepelka brings exceptional credentials to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee," Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki said. "She will be an asset to our school staff, parents, students and supporters of Catholic schools. Kathleen has a passion for education, especially Catholic education."
In her role with the archdiocese, Cepelka will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote and enhance quality Catholic education.
“What I believe about Catholic education, and what I’ve attempted to develop in all the Catholic schools where I’ve ministered over those years, has been profoundly and permanently influenced by post-Vatican II Church documents on Catholic education, particularly To Teach as Jesus Did,” Cepelka said. “Authentic Catholic schools, I believe, are vibrant communities of faith in which the message of the Gospel is regularly taught and responsibly lived, communities of worship in which every aspect of school life is rooted in prayer, and communities of service that prepare their graduates to effect positive societal change.”
Cepelka, a Whitefish Bay resident and member of both Gesu Parish and the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, received a Ph.D. in education administration from Marquette University in 1992. She holds master's degrees from the University of St. Thomas and Ball State University and received a bachelor's degree from Marian University.
Dr. Cepelka, has spent over 40 years serving Catholic schools in various capacities. Her work at Marquette University College of Education has included service as both a full and part-time faculty member. She currently serves as the associate dean of the College of Education and is director of teacher education.
She also actively supports numerous organizations including Pius XI High School Board of Directors, the Dominican High School Leadership Transition Team, Saint Clare Center Advisory Board, and the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph Public Relations Ministry, Schools’ Theology and Faith Formation Committee. In addition, she is co-chair of the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Education Consortium (GMCEC).
As superintendent, Cepelka will oversee the operation of 13 secondary and 114 elementary schools in the 10-county Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Cepelka, who currently serves as the associate dean in the College of Education at Marquette University, will begin on July 1.
Published:2010-05-12