Dr. Colleen Melnyk Installed as President of The Ursuline School

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September, 2021) – Dr. Colleen Melnyk was installed as the new President of The Ursuline School in New Rochelle on September 24, assuming leadership of the all-girls Catholic college preparatory school as it enters its 125th year.

An educator in the Mamaroneck and New Rochelle school districts since 1990, she was most recently Principal of the Murray Avenue School in Larchmont. In addition to her practical experience as a school administrator, Dr. Melnyk’s doctoral research, focusing on the improvement of teaching practices through professional development, enhances her capabilities at Ursuline where professional development is a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy.

“Dr. Melnyk is a dynamic, experienced, mission-centered educational leader who models the Ursuline values of faith, integrity and respect for all. As a past Trustee and parent of an alumna, she is deeply connected to The Ursuline School's mission,” said Sheila Sohr, Chair, The Ursuline School Board of Trustees, P'12.

Dr. Melnyk succeeded Eileen Davidson who held various roles over 38 years at the school. Davidson became the school’s first lay President in 2012. She is credited with modernizing the school, initiating its science research program, building its global education programming and strengthening connections with Ursuline schools around the world. She retired on June 30.

Dr. Melnyk said she was proud to succeed Davidson and is deeply committed to furthering the school’s mission.

“The Ursuline School represents a tradition of academic excellence with special attention to the education of the whole individual,” said Dr. Melnyk. "I am committed to helping students imagine and grow their understanding about themselves, their faith, the world, so that students become agents of change not just curiosity seekers."

Dr. Melnyk grew up in the Bronx and graduated from St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School and The Bronx High School of Science. She holds a BA in Communications, a MS in Elementary Education and an EdD in Educational Leadership, each from Fordham University. She was a Core Member of the Carnegie Foundation's iLead Initiative from 2017-2020 to further the capacities of higher education institutions to help local K-12 partners to enact systematic improvement efforts within their organizations.

About The Ursuline School

The Ursuline School is an all-girls, Roman Catholic, independent college preparatory school, grades 6-12, celebrating its 125th year. It is located on a 13-acre modern campus in New Rochelle. The mission of the school is to educate, inspire and empower young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all and dedication to Serviam – “I will serve.”