School of Education Welcomes Associate Dean

Released: 2/21/07

Dr. Kathleen Cepelka, principal of Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, has been named associate dean of the School of Education, effective July 15, 2007.

Dr. Cepelka has more than 35 years of experience at all levels of education, from elementary through graduate school. She has been a faculty member at Marquette, serving as an adjunct professor in the School of Education most recently and, prior to her seven-year tenure at Catholic Memorial, as an assistant professor. She has also taught at Benedictine College in Kansas and served as superintendent of schools for the diocese of Salinas, Kansas.

“Dr. Cepelka will play a key role in strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, accountability, and outreach, as well as overseeing our teacher education efforts,” Dean William Henk said. “I expect her to be especially vital in our efforts to support K-12 Catholic education.”

Dr. Cepelka earned her Ph.D. in educational administration at Marquette. She has master’s degrees in educational administration from the University of St. Thomas and in English from Ball State University. She did her undergraduate work at Marian College in Fond du Lac.

“Teacher education is my passion,” Cepelka said. “Catholic education is my life, and Marquette is my ‘home.’”