SAA Announces New Principal
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to say that we have successfully concluded our search for Principal and am excited to announce that Carleen Raymond ’00 has accepted the position. Since May of last year, we have been actively searching for a strong candidate that embraces our Catholic, Dominican values and can wholly commit to delivering our mission.
Carleen’s dedication to the Academy is long-standing; first graduating in 2000 as senior class president, then returning to her alma mater in 2010 as a classroom teacher, rising to department chair, and administrator. She earned her B.A. in international relations from Roanoke College and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Notre Dame. Carleen also earned her J.D. from South Texas College of Law and began her career practicing law in Washington, D.C.
Carleen brings a unique perspective to the administrative team. As an alumna she truly understands what our Academy women need to ensure they are prepared for success in life. Throughout her time as Academic Dean, Carleen has had a tremendous impact on our curriculum and assessments which includes implementing our new bell schedule. When she stepped into the role of Academic Dean, she really challenged our teachers to step out of the mold of “rigor equals homework” and encouraged them to continue to think creatively in the classroom. Carleen fosters a close relationship with the Dominican Family and is committed to walking side by side with the Dominican Sisters to ensure the charism and values stay strong. Her career has been shaped by her commitment to this institution and to cultivating a learning environment that empowers our Academy women to thrive.
Carleen is a native Houstonian and in her spare time she loves to cook and travel. She credits St. Agnes’ mission trips for fueling her life-long passion for global learning and love of other cultures.
I am confident Carleen will build upon the strengths of our school. She is a talented educator, and I look forward to working with her as she leads her alma mater into a new era. I also want to thank the Principal Search Committee for their time, commitment, and discernment which resulted in a thoughtful and thorough search.
I, and the SAA community are grateful to Deborah Whalen, for her dedication to St. Agnes and her leading roles as Academic Dean and Principal for over two decades. Deborah has been a constant fixture in our community and has truly made an impact on thousands of students and teachers. I know she will certainly be a guiding light for Carleen during this transition.
I am honored to welcome an alumna and someone truly representative of an Academy woman to this role. I hope you will join me in wishing Carleen Raymond ’00 a heartfelt congratulations.
Blessings,
Sister Jane Meyer
Head of School
