In June of 2020, St. Joseph’s Academy issued a statement regarding racial inequality, systemic racism and social injustice in our country today. SJA asked for feedback from members of the school community on specific action plans, including guest speakers, panel discussions, events that amplify Black voices and history, networking groups to connect students and alumnae, anti-bias professional development for faculty and staff and parent/student/faculty committees to address concerns.
Hundreds of SJA community members responded to the statement, sharing their experiences, perspectives and insight. More than 120 alumnae, parents, students and friends of SJA volunteered to be part of the process moving forward. SJA announced that an advisory group would be formed and a facilitator would be selected.
Following a national search, SJA announced that Dr. Katrice Albert had been chosen to lead the school in its work toward achieving inclusive excellence. Dr. Albert, a leading national voice for equity-minded, culturally responsive leadership practices, would spend the next year providing support, guidance and coaching with specific emphasis on cultural understanding, school and community needs and strategic visioning juxtaposed with Catholic traditions and philosophies.
Dr. Albert has worked with the United States Department of Homeland Security, the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Association of Junior Leagues International, the California State University System, Notre Dame University and the University of Nebraska, among others. She served as the executive vice president of inclusion and human resources at the National College Athletic Association. Prior to joining the NCAA, Dr. Albert served as vice president for equity and diversity of the University of Minnesota system. At Louisiana State University, Dr. Albert served as vice provost for equity, diversity and community outreach. As LSU’s chief diversity officer, she developed and implemented strategic initiatives and policies aimed at cultivating a campus environment that embraces difference, sustains inclusion and enhances institutional access and equity.
SJA President Jan R. Breen worked to select 22 members of the Diversity Action Committee. This leadership group was charged with working with SJA’s administrators to listen, learn, lead, guide and shepherd the school’s work toward inclusive excellence. The Diversity Action Committee will offer sustained leadership, guidance and recommendations to successfully integrate strategies and objectives that are critical in fostering real, transformative change in the climate, culture, curriculum, leadership, personnel and student/alumnae experiences. The committee was comprised of students, alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, members of the SJA Board of Directors and Sisters of St. Joseph.
In the fall of 2020, focus group discussions were held on SJA’s campus. Participants shared their lived experiences and concerns and made recommendations for creating common ground and a path toward greater inclusion. The Diversity Action Committee would meet throughout the winter and spring to identify components of the vision/desired outcomes for inclusive excellence.
To ensure that St. Joseph's Academy will continue to be guided by its mission, commitment to institutional excellence and a keen eye to the formational and educational needs of young women, a new strategic plan was crafted that will shape the Academy's work for the next three to five years. Focus groups were convened to further explore specific elements of the Academy experience, including faith development, academic excellence, personal growth, behavioral health, financial sustainability, facilities, campus life, tuition, enrollment and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Seven working committees were formed to devise strategies, objectives and action items across six areas of focus. Areas of need identified by the Diversity Action Committee were incorporated into the strategic initiatives of each committee. All work will be undertaken through the lens of our Catholic identity, gospel values, theological principles and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph.