Dr. Rhonda Clark named Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Dear St. Patrick Faculty, Staff, and Families,

Please join me in wishing our sincerest congratulations and well-wishes to Dr. Mike Ladner on his retirement as Superintendent of Education for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. Dr. Ladner has been a great leader for our Catholic schools and he will be greatly missed.

Bishop Kihneman has appointed Dr. Rhonda Clark as Superintendent of Education for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi effective July 30, 2018. I have always been impressed with Dr. Clark’s passion for Catholic education, approachability, organizational skills, and desire to always strive for excellence. I offer her my greatest support in her new position as Superintendent of Education.

Matt Buckley

St. Patrick Catholic High School Principal

BILOXI – Dr. Rhonda Parkinson Clark, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Biloxi, will move into the superintendent position July 30, replacing Dr. Michael Ladner, who will retire effective July 26. Dr. Ladner has served as superintendent since May 2005.

“Dr. Ladner was instrumental in reopening and rebuilding our schools following Hurricane Katrina,” said Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, III, bishop of Biloxi. “I thank him for his 13 years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Biloxi and our Catholic Schools.”

Dr. Clark has served as associate superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Biloxi for 10 years. During that time, she assisted in the creation of strategic plans, organized professional development for school leaders and teachers, and held the lead in the two national accreditation visits. She earned a Ph.D. in educational administration and supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi, and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in marketing/business education.

Among other duties, Dr. Clark serves on the Mississippi State Board of AdvancED. She is a member of Nativity BVM Cathedral, where she serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Her son, Stephen Clark, attended St. James Catholic Elementary School and graduated with honors from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 2016. He is a political science/pre-law junior at Mississippi State University.

“Dr. Clark is committed to the mission of our Catholic schools, which provide an education based on Christ’s teaching and Catholic values which focus on the formation of strong moral character, the furtherance of academic excellence, the inspiration to serve others, and the motivation for students to achieve their God-given potential with the ultimate goal of forming intentional disciples who follow Christ, live according to his teachings and proclaim him to others,” Bishop Kihneman said. “I thank her for her willingness to serve in this vital role and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead.”

For her part, Dr. Clark said she is looking forward to serving as superintendent.

“I am honored to be named as Superintendent of Education for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi and acknowledge that our wonderful Catholic schools are built on the commitment and sacrifice of many who have served before. We recognize the obligation we have for academic excellence, community service, and forming intentional disciples,” she said.

“It was a privilege to serve as Associate Superintendent under Dr. Mike Ladner – who was so instrumental in reopening and rebuilding our schools following Hurricane Katrina. I also thank Sr. Joanne Cozzi and Dr. Lanny Acosta, the two previous Superintendents, for their leadership. As the fourth Superintendent of Education in the Diocese of Biloxi, it is my goal to work with our principals, families, pastors, parish communities, and all stakeholders to continue the important ministry of Catholic education in South Mississippi.”