Andrea Shurley has been appointed as the next president of Ursuline Academy of Dallas, starting in July 2024.

Shurley, currently the principal of the Catholic college preparatory school for girls, will succeed Gretchen Kane, making her the eighth academy president. Shurley’s decade-long leadership at Ursuline Academy has significantly contributed to the school’s academic advancements, student welfare, and staff development, earning praise from Jon Piot, the Board of Trustees Chair.

Shurley’s leadership “has been essential to the successful innovations and growth at Ursuline Academy,” Piot said. “Our community is truly blessed that her dedication and passionate commitment to the Catholic Ursuline core values and all-girls education will energize her vital new efforts to lead Ursuline.”

Before joining Ursuline Academy as principal in 2014, Shurley had an impactful 11-year career at the Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, including a notable period as Head of School at Convent of the Sacred Heart High School. Her career started in the technology sector, with successful stints in Austin and Silicon Valley.

Shurley expressed her deep connection to Ursuline’s mission and values, emphasizing the collective efforts of educators, parents, alumnae, and partners in maintaining the academy’s Catholic, Ursuline identity, and acknowledged the Ursuline Sisters as the essence of their work.

“It is humbling and fulfilling to see these wonderful young women come through our doors as young freshmen and leave us as graduates, ready to lead as women of faith,” she said.

Shurley holds a BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin, an MA from Texas State University-San Marcos, and an EdD in Catholic Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco. Shurley is also a Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart-Houston alumna.

The Board of Trustees, along with Piot, expressed gratitude towards the Ursuline Sisters, Gretchen Kane, and the community for their support in the comprehensive selection process. The search, led by Kara Gehan and the committee, involved a thorough seven-month review of candidates.

Shurley, reflecting on her 10-year journey at Ursuline, looks forward to her new role. The board and Kane are preparing for Shurley’s transition, including finding her successor as principal.

“I love being part of this school community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the transformative growth and development of Ursuline over these past 10 years,” she said. “Working closely with Gretchen Kane has been the most formative and joyful experience of my professional life.”

Founded in 1874, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is a prestigious independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women, under the guidance of the Ursuline Sisters. With over 880 students in grades 9-12, the academy is dedicated to developing students spiritually, intellectually, and as community leaders.