Monday, July 20, 2009

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES DEANERY — Gregory R. Saelens, a teacher and administrator at St. Ursula Academy for 33 years, has returned to Archbishop McNicholas High School — his alma mater — as principal.

Saelens was appointed to the position by Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk upon the recommendation of a search committee and Brother Joe Kamis, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

He succeeds Brian Pendergest, who announced his resignation earlier this year. 

Saelens graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1976 with degrees in education and English. He earned a masters in English from UC in 1982. He taught English at St. Ursula Academy from 1976 to 2005, including 12 years as department chair from 1986 to 1998. Since 1998, he has been academic dean.

He has been heavily involved in technology and curriculum issues at the private Catholic high school, serving on the technology committee and the education committee of the St. Ursula Academy board of trustees and directing the curriculum committee.