Tag: Stuttgart - Arkansas Catholic

When the 2025-2026 school year begins, four principals will assume new roles as school leaders for the first time, while one returns to the role she previously held.

Benton

Our Lady of Fatima

Name: Samuel Brown
Hometown: Benton
College and major: University of Arkansas, Little Rock; bachelor’s degree in English/secondary education, 2012
Educational experience: Our Lady of Fatima School, science and religion teacher, one year; Little Rock School District, credit recovery, English teacher and AVID coordinator, two years; adult education specialist, Gainwell Technologies, eight years
What is your educational philosophy? Anyone can complicate. It takes much more skill and work to make something simpler. Education is, at its core, simplification. You must see the child you are teaching, see what they don’t yet understand and help them to move toward understanding. In my experience, if you can find a way to simplify it for them, put it in their terms, they will learn it on their own and quickly leave you behind.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? I taught science and religion last year and because I could put God and Church teaching at the center of both subjects, I was able to help create a synergy that could never exist in a school where we are not allowed to speak about faith. I also like the ecumenism that happens at Catholic schools between the Catholic and non-Catholic/non-religious teachers and students. Catholic schools are perhaps one of our most underrated ecumenical tools.
Who is your favorite saint? St. Jude is my patron, so I must give him a “shout out.” However, I love the quote by Blessed Stanley Rother, “The shepherd cannot run at the first sign of danger. Pray for us that we may be a sign of the love of Christ for our people, that our presence among them will fortify them to endure these sufferings in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom.” As someone who has strong ties with Guatemala, I feel a kinship to him and understand his love for the people.
What are your hobbies? I love to walk, especially in nature. I also like gardening, both vegetables and flowers. I am an animal lover and have dogs, a cat, chickens and two ducks.

Jonesboro

Blessed Sacrament

Name: Autumn Baker
Hometown: Jonesboro
Colleges and degrees: Arkansas State University, bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education, 1998; currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership, St. Louis University
Educational experience: Blessed Sacrament School, teacher, 23 years, administration, two years
What is your educational philosophy? My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students can learn and thrive when given the right support, opportunities and environment. Every child is uniquely gifted by God, and it is the sacred responsibility of educators to recognize and nurture those gifts through a high-quality education that is rigorous, equitable, and respectful. I believe that true education goes beyond academics — it must support the development of the whole child: body, mind and soul.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? I believe Catholic education offers profound and lasting benefits that go beyond academic success. Rooted in the belief that God uniquely gifts every child, Catholic schools are committed to nurturing the whole person — body, mind and soul. One of the greatest strengths of Catholic education is its integration of faith and learning. By grounding instruction in Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus Christ, students are not only challenged to grow intellectually but also formed spiritually and morally.
Who is your favorite saint? St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is my favorite saint because we share a deep connection through our vocations as educators and our journeys of conversion to the Catholic faith. Her courage, faith, and dedication to teaching continue to inspire me.
What are your hobbies? Some of my favorite hobbies include crocheting, even though I’m not very good at it, but I find it relaxing. I also enjoy decorating and organizing spaces, as well as antiquing.

Little Rock

Christ the King

Name: Jillian Whisnant
Hometown: Dallas
Colleges and majors: Bachelor’s degree in education, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; 2011; master’s degree in teaching, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; 2012; Currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership, St. Louis University
Educational experience: eStem Public Charter School, first-grade teacher, two years; Christ the King School, Kindergarten and fourth-grade teacher, 10 years; assistant principal, one year
What is your educational philosophy? Jesus Christ is at the heart of everything from curriculum and discipline to leadership and service. Education forms the whole child and should be rooted in love, respect and the common good.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? Everything we do in Catholic education points to Christ. From academics to character development, Catholic education ensures students are focused on their greatest calling, becoming the person God intends them to be.
Who is your favorite saint, or what is your favorite Scripture? St. Teresa of Kolkata; “Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart.” (Colossians 3:15)
What are your hobbies? I love spending time with my family and going for walks.

Paris

St. Joseph

Name: Shirley Kiefer
Hometown: Paris
Colleges and majors: University of the Ozarks, bachelor’s degree in education, 1990; University of Central Arkansas, master’s degree in education, 1995
Educational experience: St. Joseph School, Paris, teacher, two years, and principal, 10 years; Trinity Junior High, Fort Smith, religion and social studies teacher, seven years; Subiaco Academy, student services and social studies and English teacher, 13 years
What is your educational philosophy? Catholic education incorporates the whole child, shaping their minds, hearts and bodies in growth and service to others and God. Love, challenge, encourage and support your students to accomplish goals and reach for what brings true joy.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? I’ve seen so many young people become adults who are great members of their church and the surrounding community. I credit their formation from Catholic education, knowing their faith and having a great moral compass as true benefits of their Catholic school environment.
Who is your favorite saint? I like St. John Bosco, Mother Teresa and soon-to-be-canonized Blessed Carlo Acutus.
What are your hobbies? I like to garden, can vegetables, camp, fish and spend time with my husband, children and grandchildren.

Stuttgart

Holy Rosary

Name: Meg McCarley
Hometown: DeWitt
Colleges and majors: Arkansas State University, bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, 2017; Arkansas State University, master’s degree in school counseling, 2022; University of Arkansas at Monticello, master’s degree in teaching, 2023; Arkansas State University, principalship certification, expected by December
Educational experience: DeWitt Middle School, seventh-grade literacy, two years; DeWitt High School, school counselor, six years
What is your educational philosophy? I believe that education should nurture the whole child — mind, body and spirit. Rooted in faith, my approach combines academic rigor with moral and spiritual development, guiding students to become critical thinkers, compassionate leaders and responsible citizens. I strive to create a supportive community where each child is known, valued and encouraged to grow in wisdom and grace.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? Catholic education offers a unique blend of academic excellence, spiritual growth and moral development. Rooted in faith, it helps students see the world through a Christian lens, fostering a deep relationship with God through daily prayer, liturgy and religious instruction. Emphasizing values like compassion, integrity and service, Catholic schools build a strong moral foundation that encourages ethical decision-making and leadership.
What is your favorite Scripture? Nahum 1:7 states, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
What are your hobbies? I find joy in getting lost in a good book, sharing laughs and meaningful moments with family and friends, being outdoors enjoying God’s creation and embracing every opportunity to learn something new. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a novel or an afternoon in the sun with loved ones, I’m always seeking growth, connection and inspiration in the everyday.

At the beginning of Kathy Lorince’s teaching career 42 years ago, she was Baptist and teaching in public schools.

Today, she is Catholic and has been teaching and serving as the principal at Holy Rosary School in Stuttgart. After this summer, she’ll be giving up her principal’s office to return to the classrooms at Holy Rosary, doing what she loved from the very start.

Lorince met her husband David, “a Catholic boy,” in college and attended Mass with him for several years. Lorince taught in public schools at the time. The two got married and had a son, Alan, and Lorince converted to Catholicism.

After teaching in public schools for 16 years, Lorince got a phone call in 1999 that changed her life.

“The priest at Holy Rosary Church, Msgr. John A. Janesko, is my husband David’s cousin. He called and said, ‘Kathy, I want you to come over and be the boss.’ And I said, ‘Oh, oh no, I can’t do that.’ It was close to Easter time, and he kept calling. The principal called and said, ‘Kathy, I can’t be the principal, I’ve done it for two years and I can’t, can’t you come over? I’ll stay and just teach.’ And that’s how I got over here.”

Lorince has taught all grades from kindergarten through sixth at the school.

“I’ve taught first grade, I’ve taught third grade, all math levels, all religion levels, music. So this next year, my plan, if everything works out like it’s supposed to be, I already have a replacement coming, and she’s very excited. I’m going to stay and teach kindergarten and first grade.”

Lorince hopes the school will see higher enrollment and more staff in the coming years, as they have in the past two years, thanks to Educational Freedom Vouchers (EFAs) provided through the LEARNS Act. The school currently has around 70 students.

“Just seeing kids learn has motivated me,” she said. “They love you and the structure. Kids need it. My little ones say, ‘I can’t read,’ and I say, ‘Honey, that’s what I’m here for.’ And then by November and Christmas they can read, and they say, ‘Mrs. Kathy, I can read.’ And I say, ‘I told you. That’s what we’re here for.’”

Lorince knows that teaching can be a difficult calling. She told teachers to take it “one day at a time.”

“It’s hard to not look down the road, but you have to do it day by day. Just get in the trenches and you made it one more day and one more week.”

Holy Rosary School is currently going through ANSAA (Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association) accreditation. Lorince is remaining principal throughout the summer to help the school finalize the process.

She is looking forward to returning to the classroom and watching her career come full circle as she goes back to where it all began — this time, as a Catholic in a Catholic school.

“God is good,” Lorince said. “He always gives us what we need. Let him do it, and don’t be worried about it.”

Five new principals to lead Catholic schools in 2025-26