Dear Friends and Family of the Sacred Heart,
With the transition of Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, to the role of provincial this August, we have been engaged in prayerful reflection about the leadership of the Conference of Sacred Heart Education. The fruit of our discernment is our decision to appoint Nat Wilburn as head of the Conference of Sacred Heart Education effective July 1, 2021.
Nat's experience as a Sacred Heart educator, administrator and trustee coupled with his years as a member of the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG), the Education to Mission Committee and the Task Force on Sponsorship are ideal preparation for the role of head of Conference. Further ideal preparation is Nat's intellectual training in philosophy and theology. He holds a Master of Divinity from Catholic University of America as well as a master's degree in education in instructional leadership from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy with a minor in religious studies from the University of Tennessee.
In addition to his years of service within the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Nat is currently the Chair of the Board of the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS). This is a membership organization of more than 235 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region. He is also the former Chair of the Network Executive Committee which served as the board for the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Nat is a strong leader with a deep commitment to the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart and a love of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and all that they serve.
We ask you to join us in prayers of gratitude for Nat during this exciting time of transition. We also ask for your prayers of gratitude for Suzanne Cooke, whose pioneering leadership as the first head of the Conference strengthened the relationship of Sacred Heart schools with the United States – Canada Province, created outstanding education to mission materials for all constituents of the schools, especially the boards of trustees, and clarified the responsibilities and accountability of the Conference and the Network. Above all, Suzanne guided, supported and encouraged administrators, faculty, staff, students and families during this time of pandemic, offering hope with courage and confidence. We wish both Suzanne and Nat God’s best blessings as they move into their new roles.
Let us continue together to pray for our nations and our world, and for all members of the school communities across the Network, especially for our students as they carry our mission in the future.
Gratefully,
Sheila Hammond, RSCJ
Donna Collins, RSCJ
Maureen Glavin, RSCJ
Mary Theresa Moser, RSCJ
Diane Roche, RSCJ
