News Summary
St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School has appointed Dr. Ann Keyl as its new principal, effective July 1, following a thorough selection process. Dr. Keyl, an alumna and former teacher, brings over 24 years of experience in education and leadership to the role. She aims to strengthen the school’s tradition of excellence while fostering a nurturing environment for students and families. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for St. Mary’s as it continues to promote academic rigor and community values.
Jackson, TN – St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School has announced the appointment of Dr. Ann Keyl as its new principal, effective July 1, 2025. This decision follows an extensive search led by a committee comprised of parents, the President of Memphis Catholic Schools, the HR director of the Diocese of Memphis, and leaders from St. Mary’s parish. The committee reached a unanimous agreement to offer the role to Dr. Keyl, reflecting a strong belief in her leadership capabilities and commitment to the school community.
Fr. Dennis Schenkel expressed gratitude for the thorough selection process and conveyed excitement about working collaboratively with Dr. Keyl and the entire school community. Her appointment marks a significant moment for St. Mary’s, as she not only has a wealth of expertise but also a deep-rooted connection to the institution.
Dr. Keyl, an alumna and former teacher at St. Mary’s, brings 24 years of diverse educational experience, along with nearly four years in the private healthcare sector. She has a proven track record of advocating for academic excellence, fostering community engagement, and promoting student-centered leadership. Dr. Keyl holds a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from The University of Memphis.
In her earlier career, Dr. Keyl served as a middle school math teacher at St. Mary’s from 2009 to 2013, nurturing a passion for education within the school’s walls. Following her time there, she took on various leadership roles at Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, where she was assistant principal, school counselor, and ultimately, President/Principal from 2015 until 2022. Her diverse background in educational leadership reflects her commitment to students and her dedication to improving school environments.
Since 2022, she has focused on recruitment efforts for Dynamix Physical Therapy, further enhancing her professional portfolio. Throughout her career, Dr. Keyl has been recognized for her impactful contributions to education, receiving multiple accolades including Jackson 40 Outstanding Leaders under 40 in 2015, Principal of the Year from TSSAA district 7 in 2019, and Educator of the Year “Christ the Teacher” for the Diocese of Memphis Catholic Schools in the same year.
With her appointment, Dr. Keyl aims to strengthen St. Mary’s tradition of excellence. She cherishes her experiences as both a student and educator at St. Mary’s. Additionally, her personal ties to the school are evident as she is a proud mother of three sons who are also alumni of the school. Her sincere approach involves fostering a joyful and loving environment where every student and family can thrive.
The vision for St. Mary’s under Dr. Keyl’s leadership emphasizes a combination of academic rigor and community values, promoting an inclusive atmosphere that aligns with the school’s mission. As she steps into her new role, Dr. Keyl’s focus will be on collaboration with faculty, students, and families to continue to elevate the school’s standing and cultivate a nurturing community that encourages the development of well-rounded individuals.
In summary, Dr. Ann Keyl’s appointment represents a new chapter for St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, positioning the institution for continued success through dedicated leadership, a strong connection to its mission, and a commitment to fostering a thriving academic environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBBJ: Dr. Ann Keyl Named New Principal of St. Mary’s School
- Wikipedia: School Principal
- Jackson Sun: Keyl Passes Baton of Leadership
- Google Search: Educational Leadership
- WBBJ: St. Mary’s School Hosts Its Crawfish and Shrimp Boil
- Google Scholar: Community Engagement in Schools
- Dignity Memorial: Alan Sallee Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WBBJ: 4th Annual West Tennessee Oktoberfest
- Google News: St. Mary’s School
