A new era has dawned at Notre Dame Academy as the school community warmly welcomed Trish Miller as its fourth president on July 1, 2023. Mrs. Miller’s appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search prompted by the departure of Dr. Laura Koehl in February 2021.
In April 2021, the NDA Board of Directors initiated a Presidential Search Committee, collaborating with Educational Directions of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, to identify a candidate who could effectively guide the institution forward. The concerted efforts of the search committee and Educational Directions led to the unanimous recommendation of Trish Miller for the presidency.
Trish Miller brings a remarkable blend of educational and business leadership to her new role. Her professional journey commenced as the principal owner of Brands Insurance, and she later co-founded West Chester Permit and Transportation Marketing Services in West Chester, Ohio. However, after two decades, Miller felt a strong calling to contribute to the field of education. This led her to join Teach for America, where her passion for teaching flourished. Her subsequent teaching experiences at Withrow University High School and Aiken New Tech High School deepened her conviction that quality education is a fundamental right for every student.
Recognizing the importance of merging her faith with her leadership, Mrs. Miller transitioned to the realm of Catholic education. She joined the La Salle High School community as an associate principal where she worked closely with the principal to advance the school’s mission and vision.
Mrs. Miller is truly a mission focused leader who is grounded in her Catholic faith. Also, she understands at a personal level the transformative experience thata school such as Notre Dame Academy can provide. As a young woman, she was blessed with the opportunity to attend Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, an all-girls Catholic high school sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters. This experience empowered her with the confidence and the desire to pursue excellence without reservation in all aspects of her life. It laid the groundwork for a successful, rewarding and faith-filled life journey.
“I am truly blessed to serve as the president of Notre Dame Academy,” Trish Miller expressed. “With my background in educational and business leadership, I believe I can make a positive impact on NDA. Having experienced the empowering education of Ursuline Academy and being a parent to children who attended Catholic schools, I deeply value the academic rigor and character development that Catholic education provides.”
NDA Board Chair Mark Hausfeld emphasized Miller’s alignment with the Sisters of Notre Dame’s mission, stating, “Trish Miller’s commitment to proclaiming God’s goodness and provident care is steadfast. Her gifts and experience will undoubtedly enrich the Notre Dame Academy community, as she guides young women to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
Trish Miller’s journey embodies the essence of a mission-focused leader deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. As she steps into her role as president, she looks forward to collaborating with the Board of Directors, faculty, staff and administration to continue providing transformative experiences for young women. Excited about returning to an all-girls environment, Miller aims to foster academic, social and faith development, acknowledging the pivotal role Notre Dame Academy plays in shaping young women amidst the challenges of today’s world.
Trish Miller’s appointment by the Board of Directors in November 2022 marked the culmination of her journey towards the presidency. Her leadership continues the tradition of the President/Principal model adopted by Notre Dame Academy in 2006, following in the footsteps of distinguished leaders such as Sr. Mary Shauna Bankemper, SND, Sr. Mary Lynette Shelton, SND and Dr. Laura Koehl.
Under Miller’s leadership, Notre Dame Academy embarks on a fresh chapter, embracing her vision to inspire and educate the upcoming generation of young women.