St. Joseph Catholic Academy welcomes new president

Natalie Newville brings energetic leadership, proven success in marketing and a passion for Catholic education

The diocesan Catholic Schools Office and St. Joseph Catholic Academy Board of Directors announced today that Natalie Newville is the new president of St. Joseph Catholic Academy (SJCA).

Pat Modlin, president of the SJCA Board, said, “Our Academy Board is excited to welcome Natalie into a pivotal leadership position within our Academy. Her impressive background in marketing and development left a strong impression on our board, and her strong connection to the St. Joseph community is an invaluable asset.”

Newville will be responsible for guiding the collective success of the five school campuses within the SJCA structure: St. Gianna Early Childhood Center, Cathedral School of St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier School, St. James Catholic School and Bishop LeBlond High School. She will lead the administrative team, establish a strong brand and reputation, and increase enrollment and donor support, coordinating closely with Dr. Karen Kroh and Bishop James Johnston.

“As an energetic leader with a passion for connecting people and resources, I look forward to building new relationships and getting to know the dedicated members of the St. Joseph Catholic Academy community,” said Newville. “My family and I are excited to re-join the community and cannot wait to get started!”

Newville most recently served as the assistant director of marketing and development for the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City, Mo. In this position she successfully increased use of library resources by nearly 50% and over the last five years, increased annual giving by more than 2,400%. She is a recognized leader at the local, state and national level, with a proven track record in marketing and fundraising.

“After a nearly six-month search process, I am thrilled that we have found someone who is highly qualified, passionate and eager to lead SJCA into its next chapter,” said Dr. Karen Kroh, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Newville attended Missouri Western State College (now University), married an alumnus of Bishop LeBlond High School, and is passionate about her Catholic faith and Catholic education.
“I am grateful that Mrs. Newville said yes to this opportunity, and I look forward to the positive impact she will have on the growth and success of St. Joseph Catholic Academy,” said Bishop James Johnston, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “I am also very grateful to Father Stephen Hansen for serving as Interim President during this transition.”

Learn more, and stay up to date on progress, at stjoecatholicacademy.com or St. Joseph Catholic Schools on Facebook.

About St. Joseph Catholic Schools
The St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a nonprofit corporation providing a PK-12 education ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City- St. Joseph and formed in collaboration among the St. Joseph parishes of Cathedral of St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier, St. James, St. Patrick, St Mary, St. Rose of Lima and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

​While there is a rich history of parish schools that date back over 100 years in St. Joseph and the surrounding community, those campuses now are part of one family. This streamlining of internal processes allows for individualized focus for teachers and pastors, “cultivating exceptional scholars to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.”