News Post

Melissa Bahlinger Brocato, a 1989 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, will return to her alma mater in the administrative position of dean of curriculum and instruction. Brocato comes to SJA from Louisiana State University, where she has served as the assistant vice provost/president since 2017 and executive director of the Center for Academic Success (CAS) since 2009. She has been with LSU since 1999, earning promotions and progressive responsibilities, rising to a position of key campus leadership focused on increasing student learning, metacognition, active learning, college readiness, curriculum and content development, faculty development and student leadership development.

CAS is the only college learning center in the world to have earned the distinction of being a three-time certified international center of excellence. It focuses on the skills and strategies students need to be successful in the collegiate environment and to become life-long learners and critical thinkers. 

Brocato traces her family’s ties to SJA to the school’s beginnings. Her great-great-aunt Josephine Bahlinger was the Academy’s first graduate in 1877, and six generations of Bahlinger descendants have graduated from SJA. Most recently, her daughter Olivia graduated in 2023. Brocato has also remained connected to the school by presenting workshops to students, faculty and parents focused on her work of turning complex cognitive science research and learning theory into practical, easy-to-use tools to accelerate student learning and success.

Principal Stacia Andricain said she was thrilled to welcome Brocato as a member of SJA’s administrative team. “She brings expertise in faculty and student development, academic support strategies and coaching practices,” Andricain said. “I am confident that Melissa will provide vision and leadership in the area of curriculum and instruction and continue to move SJA forward in providing the best education for our students.”  

Brocato earned a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in English and a master of education degree in secondary education from LSU. She taught social studies for several years in Katy, Texas, before beginning her 26-year career at LSU.  

“There is no place like home, and I truly feel like this is a sort of homecoming,” Brocato said. “As an SJA alum, I was recently able to reconnect with the campus and traditions during my daughter’s time here. Every time I was able to come to campus or participate in events, I experienced such a tremendous sense of joy and gratitude for having been afforded the opportunity to experience an SJA education.”

Brocato said her new position at SJA is truly a dream job, as it focuses on what she is most passionate about: teaching, learning and student success. She believes her role as a servant-leader is centered on helping others reach their full potential. “This position brings my career full circle and will utilize the breadth of my skill sets developed in my 30-year career in both secondary and higher education to support the valuable work of providing a Catholic education for students,” she said.

Brocato and her husband have two children. She said their personal life revolves around their passion for family and faith and nurturing their children’s interests. “Sharing laughter is one of our favorite things to do,” Brocato said, adding that the family enjoys performances by stand-up comedians and finding joy in shared humor. “We also love to travel and appreciate the new experiences and memories. Having a large family, we relish our frequent extended-family gatherings, and I like cooking and preparing my special dishes. I love seeking out treasures and find satisfaction in transforming them, each adding a unique touch to our home. I also value doing things that deepen my faith and allow me to enjoy the fellowship of the Catholic community.”

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director