Ursuline News

Ursuline Academy of Dallas Names Dr. Andrea Shurley As Next President
DALLAS, Texas – Andrea Shurley EdD, has been selected the next President of Ursuline Academy of Dallas, effective July 1, 2024. The naming of Dr. Shurley as the eighth President of Ursuline Academy culminates a comprehensive selection process for a successor to current President Gretchen Kane. 
 
”For nearly a decade, Andrea Shurley’s leadership has been essential to the successful innovations and growth at Ursuline Academy, assuring excellence in academics, student well-being, and faculty and staff development,” said Jon Piot, Chair, Ursuline Academy of Dallas Board of Trustees. “Our community is truly blessed that her dedication and passionate commitment to the Catholic Ursuline core values and all-girls education will energize her vital new efforts to lead Ursuline.”
 
A highly accomplished Catholic educator, Dr. Shurley joined Ursuline as Principal in 2014, having served eleven impactful years in teaching and administration with the Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, California, including a transformative tenure as Head of School, Convent of the Sacred Heart High School. Prior to her work in education, she built a successful technology career first in Austin and then in Silicon Valley.
 
“Ursuline’s mission and values, the overarching commitment to Serviam, and the opportunity to continue building on the history and promise of Ursuline call me in many ways,” Dr. Shurley said. “It is humbling and fulfilling to see these wonderful young women come through our doors as young freshmen and leave us as graduates, ready to lead as women of faith.”
 
“Our team of educators is devoted and focused on excellence. The extended community, parents, alumnae, and engaged partners, help us remain focused in sustaining our heritage and identity as a Catholic, Ursuline school,” Dr. Shurley continued, “And the Ursuline Sisters are the soul of what we do. We see their gifts and legacies in our daily lives and in the spirit of St. Angela that fills our hearts.”
 
Andrea Shurley received her BA in English at The University of Texas at Austin, earned her MA in English at Texas State University - San Marcos, and completed her Doctor of Education degree in Catholic Educational Leadership at University of San Francisco. She is a graduate of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls Catholic school in Houston.
 
The Board of Trustees is tremendously grateful to the Ursuline Sisters, Gretchen Kane, and to the many members of our community who have supported and participated in this search,” Jon Piot continued. ”We are especially thankful to Kara Gehan ’85, Chair of the Search Committee, and to the Search Committee members who conducted a rigorous seven-month process evaluating a robust and diverse pool of candidates.”
 
“I love being part of this school community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the transformative growth and development of Ursuline over these past 10 years,” Dr. Shurley added. “Working closely with Gretchen Kane has been the most formative and joyful experience of my professional life.”
 
The Board and Ms. Kane are excited to support Dr. Shurley in the transition to her new role next year including work to identify her successor as Principal. Next semester, Ursuline looks forward to continuing the celebration of Ursuline’s 150 years in Dallas and recognizing Ms. Kane’s incredible tenure.
 
Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. The Academy’s current enrollment is over 880 students in grades 9-12. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline educates young women for leadership in a global society.