Principal Search Update: November 21, 2024

Ursuline Announces Kayla Brown as Next Principal

Ursuline Academy of Dallas is pleased to announce the appointment of Kayla Brown as its next principal, effective July 1, 2025. Ms. Brown, who previously served in various roles at Ursuline, will return to the school after serving as the principal at John Paul II High School (JPII) for three years.

“It is with deep joy, gratitude, and a sense of calling that I humbly accept the role as the next principal of Ursuline Academy. Returning to Ursuline feels like coming home in the most profound way, as this community has been a foundational part of my journey of faith and leadership. I feel incredibly blessed to be back among a community that has always felt like family,” said Ms. Brown.

After beginning her career in education in public schools, Ms. Brown joined the Ursuline Social Studies faculty in 2007. She next transitioned to administrative leadership at Ursuline in 2013, first as Assistant Dean of Students and later as Dean of Students, a role she held for eight years. During her tenure, Ms. Brown was instrumental in enhancing the student experience in many ways, including implementing the Grade Dean model for the Dean of Students office, revamping and growing the Advisory program, and helping to build out the Seminar programming for freshmen and upper grade levels. She has served as principal of John Paul II High School for the past two years, further strengthening her reputation as a Catholic-school leader committed to academic excellence and student growth.

"Today, with great joy, we announce that we will welcome back a beloved member of the Ursuline community to serve as our new principal," said Ursuline President Dr. Andrea Shurley. "As a former social studies teacher and Dean of Students, Kayla brought warmth, wisdom, and a deep commitment to our mission of Serviam. Her return to Ursuline is a testament to her passion for empowering young women and her dedication to academic excellence and servant leadership. We are confident that Kayla will continue to nurture the traditions we cherish while guiding our school into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation."

Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Social Studies from Louisiana State University, a Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University, and a Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate from Creighton University.

“I am committed to working closely with every member of this community—our students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumnae—to strengthen and nurture our relationships, founded on the values we hold dear. My prayer is that we will continue to create a vibrant environment where every young woman can grow in wisdom, courage, and compassion, developing her gifts to serve others in the spirit of St. Angela Merici.,” said Ms. Brown.

Her appointment follows a comprehensive six-month national search process led by The Education Group (TEG). The process included:

• A confidential survey distributed in May to Ursuline community members along with several focus group sessions to gather input on priorities for the role and desired qualifications.
• Initial candidate identification and interviews conducted over the summer.
• Semi-finalist interviews with an interview team comprised of Ursuline administrators and a member of the Academy Board of Trustees in September.
• Finalist campus visits where candidates met with trustees, administrators, faculty, students, and parents, each providing valuable feedback.

"We are deeply grateful to all the members of our Ursuline community who participated in the Principal Search process," said Dr. Shurley. "I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth Smith for her exemplary service, dedicated professionalism, and tremendous contributions as Interim Principal this year."

Principal Search Update: October 16, 2024

Dear Ursuline Community,

We have been making excellent progress in the search for Ursuline’s next Principal. Our search consultants began collecting material for potential candidates over the summer.

After reviewing files and conducting interviews, they presented us with semi-finalists in early September. The next phase involved zoom interviews with the selected candidates conducted by our semi-finalist interview team. Considering input from the interview team, I have asked our search firm to notify our selected finalists. This is an exciting step in the process, and I am pleased with how the search is unfolding.

Over the next few weeks, we will begin to meet our finalist candidates! Each one will visit campus for a day and, during that time, will have the opportunity to meet with many constituent groups, including faculty, staff, and administrators, students, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees.

I know we all look forward to welcoming the finalist candidates to Ursuline!

Sincerely,
Andrea Shurley

Start Date: July 2025

Ursuline Academy, located in Dallas, Texas, has announced its search for a Principal whose responsibilities will begin with the 2025-2026 school year. Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women with a total enrollment of 880 in grades 9-12. It is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, with membership in a number of other professional organizations including the National Association of Independent Schools, International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, National Catholic Education Association, OneSchoolhouse, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, and Ursuline Education Network. At 150 years, Ursuline is honoring its rich history and tradition in 2024 by celebrating its Sesquicentennial Year.

Reporting to the President, the Principal is the educational leader of Ursuline Academy, directly responsible for the daily operation of the school and the teaching-learning process. Along with the President, s/he is a facilitator of the community of faith and bears responsibility for the integration of faith and culture within Ursuline Academy. S/he maintains a close working relationship with the faculty, staff, and students, as well as parents and the community at large. The faculty numbers 106. The Principal is supported by a staff of senior administrators who oversee curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular (both athletic and non-athletic) areas. The Principal also serves as a member of the Campus Administration team, which is responsible for development and implementation of policy and procedures campus-wide.

Teaching and administrative experience in upper school are key for the new Principal. It is also essential that s/he be visibly supportive of single gender education for young women.

Applications are currently being accepted. Interested candidates should email a letter of interest, statement of leadership philosophy, and résumé to the addresses below. A full profile will be available shortly.

For further information about the position and application procedures, please contact the school’s search consultants at The Education Group:

Karen Drawz
214-535-7093
karen@educationgroup.com

OR

Mary Beth Marchiony
785-840-4995
marybeth@educationgroup.com