New superintendent for Catholic Schools

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Diocese of South Bend-Fort Wayne has named a new superintendent of Catholic Schools. Mark Myers assumed the post, vacated by Holy Cross Fr. Steven Kempinger, on Aug. 24 and joined the staff of the Catholic Schools Office in the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center in Fort Wayne. He brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the job.

“I am most grateful to the Search Committee of Local Catholic Educators for their work in preparation over this appointment,” said Bishop John M. D’Arcy. “After much prayer, I have chosen an excellent man who will serve us well.”

Fr. Kempinger left the post as superintendent of schools at the end of June after three years at the helm. He stepped into the position after serving as associate superintendent in South Bend for two years under former superintendent, Michelle Hitte, who has been serving as interim superintendent this summer. Fr. Kempinger currently is completing coursework for a doctorate in educational leadership while serving full-time at Moreau Seminary on the campus of the University of Notre Dame where he works on the formation staff with first-year seminarian candidates in their discernment to the priesthood.

A native of Illinois, Myers earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 1975, followed by a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois in 1979. By 1991 he had earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from Indiana State University.

His extensive experience includes teaching elementary school for three years in Arcola, IL, and four years in Japan, where he taught students from 40 different countries. He held the director’s position of a technological program in Illinois that acquired and placed computers in 22 schools, and trained teachers and administrators on their use.
Myers also worked as principal for Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, a Ball State University school serving students in Kindergarten through grade 12. Following three years there he traveled to Pakistan and Taiwan, spending a year in each country establishing new schools, where he functioned as principal.

Upon his return to the United States, he held the position of assistant professor at Stephen Austin State University in Texas before moving to Fort Wayne in 2000. He was serving as assistant professor of educational leadership at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne before accepting the position of superintendent of Catholic Schools.