WillisKERNERSVILLE — After several months’ search, Bishop McGuinness High School has named Claire Willis as its new principal beginning June 2024.
Willis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Catholic education, having served as an educator and administrator for nearly two decades. She currently serves as the assistant superintendent for Catholic schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge and has previously served as a high school principal, elementary assistant principal, and middle and high school English teacher in various Catholic schools.
“The warm welcome of the school community, the tradition of excellence, and the evident culture of faith and family convinced me that I had found my new home,” Willis said.
Head of School Dr. Jared M. Rashford shared his confidence in Willis.
“Mrs. Willis’s passion for education and her proven track record make her the ideal leader for our school. I am confident that her vision and commitment will further enhance the Bishop McGuinness experience for our students,” Rashford said.
With the recent hire, Rashford will shift roles to become president of Bishop McGuinness. As president, Rashford will focus on the school’s long-range planning, community relationships, financial management and fundraising. The new position will fund itself from the resulting increase in donations and community partnerships.
Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Charlotte, also noted his excitement in Willis’s selection.
“Mrs. Willis’s appointment as principal is a key step forward for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School,” Monroe said. “Her leadership and commitment to Catholic education are ideal for enhancing our school’s legacy and continuing to build a strong Catholic culture that is focused on excellence. Working with our great faculty, we are excited to see the academic, extracurricular, and Catholic environment she will foster.”
Willis and her husband Chandler have five children. Their oldest will attend Louisiana State University in the fall, and the younger children are excited to explore their new home and become part of the community, she said.
— Catholic News Herald
Vic Nussbaum Jr.GREENSBORO — Former Greensboro mayor and long-time parishioner of St. Pius X Church, the late Vic Nussbaum Jr.’s charitable legacy continues to impact students at two Greensboro schools. With an endowment of $1.5 million for tuition assistance at the diocese’s St. Pius X and Our Lady of Grace schools, students and families continue to have the opportunity for a Catholic education in the Piedmont Triad.
Chris Kloesz, principal of St. Pius X School, said the $31,515 annual grant offered tuition assistance for 28 students this school year alone.
“It is very possible that without the generous ongoing proceeds from the Nussbaum Family Endowment there could be families that could not afford to give their children the opportunity of a Catholic education,” Kloesz said.
Our Lady of Grace’s Principal Catherine Rusch said 17 students benefitted from the $31,515 grant this school year.
“By providing access to an authentically Catholic education at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, this generous endowment is providing a most precious gift: an education with a foundation of faith that invites Christ into the lives of these children today and throughout their futures,” Rusch said.
The late Nussbaum – a self-proclaimed “Catholic Yankee in Dixie” who became one of Greensboro’s biggest boosters and its mayor for three terms, from 1987 to 1993 – was focused on expanding libraries, providing low-income housing and improving the quality of public education.
He was a devout Catholic, attending Mass every day at 6 a.m. and was a friend to the downtrodden, said Jim Melvin, who was mayor when Nussbaum was first elected to the Greensboro City Council in 1973.
He attended Our Lady of Grace Church and sent his children to Our Lady of Grace School, and after a cross-town move later attended St. Pius X. He believed Catholic schools not only provide a great education but are critical to carrying on the faith, family recalled.
Donors across the diocese like Nussbaum have given one-time gifts of cash or stock, pledged to capital campaigns or projects, or left gifts in their estate plans. Such gifts have benefitted parishes, Catholic schools, the diocese, the diocese’s foundation and St. Joseph College Seminary.
“We receive gifts of every amount – and all of them make a difference,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “Endowments in particular help change people’s lives because they keep on growing and providing returns year after year. Everyone can find a cause in the Church that speaks to them, just as Catholic education spoke to Mayor
Nussbaum, whose generosity not only makes an impact today but will do so long into the future.”
— Courtney McLaughlin
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish or Catholic school? You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..