TRUMBULL, CT— St Joseph High School, southern Connecticut’s premier college preparatory school, announced today that The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has selected Dr. William Fitzgerald, President, as the recipient of the Division I 2020 Chief Executive Leadership Award. Dr. Fitzgerald is one of a handful of high school Presidents to receive this award, traditionally given to leaders of colleges or universities.
“The value of a Catholic College Preparatory School is articulated through Dr. Fitzgerald’s every action,” remarked Jessica Costa, Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management at St Joseph High School. “Leading by example, he has advanced the academic rigor and moral refinement of our students and the community.”
Dr. Fitzgerald joined St Joseph High School as Head of School in 2008. In 2014, he navigated a visionary plan for an independent college preparatory school that solidified the school’s future. Complementing the focus on advanced academics and college-oriented programs, the school’s 57 acres soon took on the look of a college campus, including the multi-million dollar O’Keefe Media Center, new athletic fields, a Health and Wellness Center, the “Cup of Joe” Café, and an environmental classroom in our adjacent wetlands.
“Dr. Fitzgerald is an inspirational leader of a community that balances rigor with support, innovation with tradition and development with service,” stated Aimee Marcella, Director of Advancement, “as we near his retirement at the end of this academic year, the St Joseph community will celebrate his numerous contributions, guiding vision, and unfailing passion for educating our next generation of scholars.”
Dr. Fitz (as the students affectionately call him) leads through congeniality, transparency, and grace. His motto, “Together, for others” has encouraged a tradition of selfless service among our students and staff that has since extended to the global community. His enthusiasm for the mission and the vision of St Joseph High School is valued by those who work alongside him.
Prior to working in education, Dr. Fitzgerald worked in the publishing world. He holds a Bachelors’s in English from UMass, Amherst, a Master’s in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School, and a Masters and Doctorate in Education from Boston College.
The Chief Executive Leadership Award honors institutional leaders for outstanding contributions to their campus communities, for efforts in promoting public understanding of education, and for support of advancement at their campuses. Nominees must have demonstrated the ability to increase their institution’s stature in the community and to establish a positive image for their institution while leading it to even higher levels of success. Dr. Fitzgerald will be recognized at the annual CASE District I Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 12.
About St Joseph High School
St Joseph High School (SJHS) provides a learning environment that embraces the Gospel values of the Roman Catholic faith and promotes a commitment to family and community. SJHS prepares young women and men to realize their potential, helps them to excel in higher education, and provides a foundation to guide them throughout their lives. St Joseph High School is a member of NCEA, NAIS, NEAS&C. www.sjcadets.org
