Faculty Biographies

2008 Bishop John R. Gorman Institute for Leadership in Catholic Education

Sister Cathleen M. Cahill, R.S.M.

Sister Cathleen Cahill is a Sister of Mercy and is the Administrative Director of the Pastoral Ministry Institute at Saint Xavier University. She holds a M.A. in school administration from DePaul University and a M.T.S. from Chicago Theological Union. Sister Cathleen has worked with the Bishop Gorman Institute for several years and now joins the faculty in the Spirituality Track.

William J. Campbell, S.M., Ed.D

Brother Bill Campbell, a Marianist Brother, is presently the associate executive director of the elementary school department of NCEA where he focuses on teacher and principal formation, principal candidate discernment and presenting workshops on various topics throughout the country.

Prior to his work at NCEA, Bro. Bill served as assistant superintendent for personnel and technology for the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon; assistant provincial and director of education for the Marianist Province of the Pacific in Cupertino, California; principal of Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, California; academic assistant principal in San Francisco, California, and as a religion teacher and counselor at Serra High School in Gardena, California. Earlier in his career he served in Marianist-operated high schools in Brooklyn and Mineola, New York and at Charlotte Catholic High School in North Carolina.

Bro. Bill has earned a doctorate in education administration from the University of La Verne in Southern California, a master's in private school administration from the University of San Francisco, a master's in theology from St. John’s University (Pontifical Institute), a master's in counseling education from Fordham University, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Dayton. He also holds a certificate in teaching and learning with instructional technology from Portland State University.

We are honored to welcome Bro. Bill to the BGI where he will serve as faculty in the Topics for Administrators, as well as present a session in the Teachers’ Track.

Diane M. Caplin, Ph.D.

Dr. Caplin served at Salve Regina College, St. Louis University, and Marquette University in teaching and administrative positions before co-founding the Mount Saint Agnes Theological Center for Women in 1992. The Center provides a place where women safely and freely study, interpret, formulate and teach Christian theology, serving over 1000 people annually. Dr. Caplin is the Associate Director of the Center, in addition to her work as a nationally recognized speaker on theological issues. Dr. Caplin is part of the faculty for the Spirituality Track and will give a plenary presentation.

Avis Clendenen, Ph.D., D. Min.

Avis Clendenen has the Ph.D. and D. Min. from the Chicago Theological Seminary. Avis is Professor of Religious Studies at Saint Xavier University in Chicago where she teaches courses in the area of pastoral and practical theology. She is co-author with Sister Irene Dugan, r.c. of Love Is All Around in Disguise: Meditations for Spiritual Seekers (Chiron Publications, 2004), editor of Spirituality in Depth: Essays in Honor of Sister Irene Dugan, r.c. (Chiron Publications, 2002), and co-author with Troy W. Martin of Forgiveness: Finding Freedom Through Reconciliation (Crossroad Publications, 2002). Articles by Dr. Clendenen appear in New Theology Review, Journal of Pastoral Care, U.S. Catholic, Lectionary Homiletics, Journal of Religious Education and Psychology and Judaism. She is currently completing the manuscript, Experiencing Hildegard: Jungian Insights into the Spiritual Vision of 12th century Hildegard of Bingen. We welcome Avis back as a faculty member in the Spirituality Track

Mary Kean Coffey

Mary Coffey has been involved with many aspects of Catholic education and currently is the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education at Saint Xavier University. She serves as the Director of the Bishop Gorman Institute, working with Dean Beverly Gulley, consultant Sr. Lourdes Sheehan, and the faculty, participants and the Advisory Committees.

Sister Mary Brian Costello, R.S.M.

Sister Mary Brian Costello is a Sister of Mercy whose educational background and experience as a teacher and administrator span sixty years. She received undergraduate and graduate degrees from St Xavier University, Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. Her teaching experience includes elementary, secondary and collegiate levels.

Her experience in administration includes years as curriculum director and as a secondary school principal and Chicago archdiocesan school planning consultant. She was appointed the first woman Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago and served as Chief of Staff for Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

She is the recipient of numerous honorary doctoral degrees and education awards, including the McGraw Hill Award for Leadership in Education and has written several literature texts. Sister Mary Brian is presently retired and serves on various academic committees and Boards of Trustees. She is one of the founding Trustees of the Big Shoulders Fund and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. We are pleased to welcome Sister Brian back as part of the team in the Curriculum Track.

Bishop John R. Gorman

Bishop Gorman is a priest who has served as pastor, educator and Saint Xavier University trustee. Having earned both a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Bishop Gorman taught in high school seminary, collegiate seminary, Loyola Pastoral Studies Institute and Notre Dame University Summer School. He also served as President of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Pastor of St. Michael Parish in Orland Park and Episcopal Vicar of two vicariates in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is a former Director of the Office of Parish/Pastoral Services, has coordinated lay ecclesial ministry training for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and continues to be actively involved in the life of the Church in Chicago and around the world.

Bishop Gorman’s half-century of service to the Church and to Catholic education demonstrates a commitment the BGI is proud to honor and emulate. His active support of the Institute is appreciated and the celebration of Mass with Bishop Gorman is always a highlight of the BGI experience.

Bob Hallberg

Bob Hallberg is now in his eighth year as head coach of the Saint Xavier University women's basketball program. He has had notable accomplishments with the program and his teams have advanced to the NAIA National Tournament each of the last five seasons. Bob is a well-known figure on the Chicago hoops scene. He received his degree in physical education from Chicago State in 1966 and his master's degree in physical education from George Williams University (Ill.).
Bob launched his coaching career at Kennedy High School in Chicago. In 1971, he was named the head men's coach at Saint Xavier College. His teams won 127 games and two conference titles over the next six years. In 1977, Hallberg began a successful ten year term at Chicago State. In 1987, Hallberg moved on to the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) before returning to Saint Xavier University as Athletic Director. Bob has long been an advocate for student athletes and will participate in the panel on “The Role of Athletics in School Culture.”

Jane Lundin

Jane Lundin is an Assistant Professorial Lecturer in the School of Education of Saint Xavier University after recently retiring from an extensive career as a teacher and school principal. Her specialty areas include teacher preparation and school administration and she is a consultant for schools on Teaching for Literacy. We welcome Jane as a new faculty member in the Teacher’s Track.

Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A.

Father Tom McCarthy is an experienced teacher, administrator, retreat director and parish mission preacher with a rich background in working in multicultural environments.  As alumnus of St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, he has served the school in a variety of capacities, including Campus Minister, Principal, and President, his current position.  Fr. McCarthy is a member of the Augustinian order who has served in a variety of ministries as a parish priest and an educator.  Well known as an erudite and engaging speaker, Fr. McCarthy has a B.A. from Villanova University and graduate degrees from Catholic Theological Union and Lewis University.  We welcome Fr. McCarthy to the BGI for presentations in the Teacher's Track and the Topics for Administrators' Track where he will address strategies for establishing welcoming environments in a multicultural world.

Sister Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P.

Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey has been named the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, effective July 1, 2008. Cardinal George noted:. “Sr. Mary Paul has both the professional experience and leadership qualities that are necessary to take responsibility for the future of our Catholic elementary and high schools.”

A native of the Chicago area, Sr. Mary Paul attended St. Paul of the Cross and Mary Seat of Wisdom Schools in Park Ridge before graduating from Infant Jesus of Prague School in Flossmoor. Sr. Mary Paul, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, has more than 37 years in Catholic education as a teacher and administrator. She has most recently served as Principal and President of Marian Catholic High School. Sr. Mary Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Quincy University, a master of arts degree in Theology from St. Louis University and master of science in institutional business administration from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, she earned her educational administration certification through DePaul University, and began doctoral coursework in Theology and the social sciences at the Chicago Theological Seminary.

Sister Mary Paul was one of the founding members of the BGI Advisory Committee and we are delighted to welcome an alumna back to the BGI as one of the Plenary Session speakers.

Dan McGrath

A native of Chicago whose journalism experience extends from the east to west coasts, Dan is the Associate Editor for Sports at the Chicago Tribune. His experience of Catholic education includes St. Cajetan School, Leo High School and Marquette University. Dan is a sought-after moderator for panels and has appeared on television, radio and conference programs across the country, so the BGI is honored to have him as the moderator for “The Role of Athletics in School Culture” in the Topics for Administrators Track.

Kathy Mears

Kathy Mears is the Associate Director of Schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and a member of the Indiana State Advisory Council on Education of Children with Disabilities. Her specialty areas include: school improvement, professional development, brain-based learning, and professional learning communities. We are delighted to welcome her back to the BGI in the Curriculum Leadership Track.

James Rabbitt, Ed.D., J.D.

Dr. Rabbitt is an Assistant Professor in the Saint Xavier University School of Education. He has been a faculty member of the Bishop Gorman Institute for several years and directs the incorporation of graduate credit into the BGI. His educational background includes a doctorate in Education from Northern Illinois University and a law degree from The John Marshall Law School. Dr. Rabbitt is known nationally for presentations on School Law and other issues that reflect his educational and professional background as a lawyer, teacher, and school superintendent. Jim is the lead faculty member in the Teacher’s Track and will also do a presentation in the Topics for Administrators.

Pat Richardson

Pat Richardson is the head basketball coach and member of the Social Studies department at Brother Rice High School. Recently inducted into the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame, Pat brings an extensive background and strong philosophy to the discussion in the panel on “The Role of Athletics in School Culture.”

Sister Lourdes Sheehan, R.S.M.

Sister Lourdes Sheehan’s background includes impressive academic credentials and extensive experience in providing and enhancing leadership in Catholic education and other forums. Sr. Lourdes, a former member of the Saint Xavier University Board of Trustees, is a Sister of Mercy. She currently advises a hospital system in Savannah, Georgia, on issues of leadership and succession policies, having previously served as associate general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Sister Lourdes has received many awards, including the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross from Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of exemplary service to the Catholic Church. The award cited her work with the USCCB, the University of Notre Dame, the National Catholic Educational Association, and her religious community. She is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Service to Catholic Education from the NCEA and the Catholic School Executive Leadership Award from Fordham University, New York.

Other positions Sister has held include the U.S. bishops’ secretary for education, executive director of the Department of Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE), superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Richmond, Va., and provincial and councilor for the Baltimore Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

A native of Georgia, Sister Lourdes holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Among Sister Lourdes’ areas of expertise are the development of effective boards, strategic planning, and fostering educational leadership. Sister Lourdes is the consultant to the BGI and will serve as faculty in the Topics for Administrators.

Maureen Spelman, Ed.D.

Dr. Maureen Spelman is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education of Saint Xavier University. This is Dr. Spelman’s second year with the BGI and she directs the graduate credit aspect of the Curriculum Leadership Track. Dr. Spelman’s educational background includes a certificate from Sheffield College, United Kingdom, in the pedagogy of online course design and delivery and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago. Her specialty areas include teacher preparation, literacy, and data-driven instruction. In addition to her work at SXU, Dr. Spelman is a consultant for inner city Catholic schools on teaching for literacy.

Peter Sullivan

Peter Sullivan is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Lockport Township High School District 205. He also has experience as a coach and administrator of athletic associations on the elementary and high school levels, so he is an ideal choice to address the issues presented in the panel discussion of “The Role of Athletics in School Culture” in the Topics for Administrators Track.