Nazareth Academy Appoints New Principal

LA GRANGE PARK, IL — Nazareth Academy has announced the appointment of Therese Uphues Hawkins ‘79 as the school’s new principal, effective July 1. Hawkins will succeed Deborah Tracy, who will transition into the role of President at the conclusion of this school year.

The school said the appointment comes after an extensive search by representatives from Nazareth Academy’s Board of Trustees as well as the Congregation of St. Joseph.

In making the announcement, Board Chair Mark Doyle said in a release, “We looked carefully at input from
students, parents and faculty in terms of what qualities our principal should possess. All stakeholders agree that a principal should lead with integrity, trust and professionalism while also building community among faculty, staff and students. We are supremely confident that Therese Hawkins will bring these qualities to her new position.”

According to the school, Hawkins currently serves as the school’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction and has been a member of the Administration team since 2015. Other leadership roles at Nazareth include Director of Student Activities, Assistant Dean of Students and Chair of the History Department, a subject she has taught since 2001. In her roles she has been honored with the Nazareth Academy Teacher of the Year Award, the Christian Values Award and the Patricia Behring National History Day Illinois High School Teacher of the Year Award. Additionally, she is an alum of Nazareth Academy from the Class of 1979.

“It is a natural transition for Therese to move into the role of Principal. As an alum of our school and collaborative leader, Therese is committed to the mission of Nazareth Academy, our students, families and alumni. I look forward to the energy and integrity she will bring to the Principal’s office,” Tracy said in a release.

Current President, Dennis Moran agrees, adding, “I have had the pleasure of working with Therese in a number of roles for over 20 years. She has met each challenge with professionalism and care. I expect her career as principal to be her best role yet.”

The school said Hawkins received her Bachelor of Arts, History from Northern Illinois University. She holds a Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. She is a member of the Westchester Education Foundation Board of Trustees and a current participant in Spirits on Fire, a year-long formation program for lay leaders in the CSSJ mission and tradition.

“Since I started as a student in 1975, many things about Nazareth have changed, but the most important and essential ideals have not,” Hawkins said in a release. “Driven by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Nazareth remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, educating the whole person and striving for unity in all that it does. I am honored to be chosen as the next principal. I pledge to continue building unity while advancing Nazareth’s legacy as an outstanding academic institution.”

Photo provided by Nazareth Academy.