A Letter from the President

Ms. Peggy Slater

Looking on the bright side, one could say that the last few years were a lesson in adaptability, resilience and the importance of humor. With this valuable learning firmly rooted, how refreshing it was this year to focus on a future vision for Ursuline Academy and put plans in place for continued enhancements to the student experience, growth of our community and long term sustainability.

The Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees committed to the creation of a three-year strategic plan guided by a committee of parents, co-workers, Board members and administrators. I’m grateful for the willingness of this group to enter into the tough conversations, dream a bit, and do the hard work of setting priorities. It’s exciting that we have a clear direction for 2023-2025 and I look forward to working alongside everyone in the Ursuline community to achieve it.

What happens next? Activity related to the plan has begun and we will be reporting our progress to the community on a regular basis. We will continue to build on the positive trends we’re seeing in enrollment and fundraising through a combination of traditional activities and new strategies. We will be working hard to assure that you see the very real impact of your support.

In our marketing and communications, you will see a celebration of many types of Bears - athletes, artists, Missouri Scholars, robot builders, Bearista managers and more - and their individual paths to achievement. We are proud to be a school that supports a variety of interests and abilities, where there is no one single “Ursuline girl.” Ursuline is a place where all academically minded young women can find their place. This is our unique niche among girls’ schools in St. Louis.

Areas for our students to explore science and technology will continue to be expanded along with updates to our counseling and campus ministry spaces. We will further develop the opportunities present in our international network of schools and, with the increased involvement of our alumnae, demonstrate for our students the power of a lifelong sisterhood.

Lastly, we will seek creative ways to support parents as their daughters navigate high school life and assure that our co-workers feel valued for their tremendous commitment to Catholic education.

As you can see, we are in a position of strength and there is energy in this plan. Our success lies in new ways of doing things and we’re ready, guided by the words of St. Angela: “Have hope and firm faith in God, for God will help you in everything.”

Thank you for sharing your light at Ursuline Academy!

All my best, Peggy

Slater President