Diane Wolfe
Diane Wolfe, principal at Immaculate Conception School in North Little Rock, has been named the new principal for Mount St. Mary Academy starting July 1. The announcement was made Jan. 20 to the school’s faculty, staff, parents and students by Sister Deborah Troillett, RSM, president of Mount St. Mary Academy. Sister Deborah also had been serving as interim principal during the search process.
Wolfe has been the principal at Immaculate Conception since 2007. She was the school’s assistant principal in 2006 and 2007 and taught math there from 1999 to 2003.
Wolfe is no stranger to Mount St. Mary Academy having been a math teacher there between 2003 and 2006. Additionally, one daughter graduated from the school in 2006.
Wolfe’s classroom experience also includes teaching at Central High School for eight years, as well as teaching in Colorado and Louisiana.
A native of Pine Bluff, she received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and a master’s degree in school leadership, management and administration from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“Mrs. Wolfe’s academic qualifications, along with her unwavering spirituality and practice of the Mercy traditions, have fully prepared her for the challenges that lie ahead,” Sister Deborah said. “I really look forward to working with her again in this new capacity.”
Sister Deborah, as president of the school, serves as its chief executive officer and is responsible primarily for development, finances, governance and long-range planning.
The principal serves as the chief operational officer and is responsible for all the academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, as well as the day-to-day operation of the school. Both the president and the principal share the roles of spiritual leadership and promoting the mission of Mount St. Mary Academy.
Vernell Bowen, superintendent of Catholic schools, spoke highly of Wolfe and her abilities.
“I’ve known Diane for six years and have firsthand knowledge of her dedication to Catholic education. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be an outstanding leader at the Mount,” she said.
Father James West, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, said he is grateful for Wolfe’s service to the elementary school.
“Diane Wolfe has been an extraordinary classroom instructor and principal for Immaculate Conception Catholic School in the years that we have been fortunate to have her. For her, the principal’s role is a ’calling’ and not even remotely a ’job.’ Time and again, she has shown that clearly to me, and I am so grateful for the tremendous leadership she has given to our entire school family and for the loving spirit that she leaves behind.”
Wolfe said she will leave Immaculate Conception with a grateful heart.
“My time at IC has been such an enriching experience. This is my home parish and it has been such an honor to work with Father West in one of the finest preK-eighth Catholic schools.”
Wolfe and her husband, Keith, are members of Immaculate Conception and have two children, Lizzie and John David. Another daughter, Alana, died in 2006 following a battle with cancer.
