John Carroll Catholic High School, the largest and oldest Catholic high school in the Diocese of Birmingham, announced June 22 that Ronald Steele, Jr., was appointed principal and Dr. Katie King was appointed director of curriculum and instruction. They join Father Jon Chalmers, president, and Dr. Banyon Allison, assistant principal, in completing the leadership team for the 2023-2024 school year.

Steele is a 2004 graduate of John Carroll and has served as the school's athletic director since 2017. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Marymount University. He attends Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood, and his son is a middle school student at the parish’s school.

As athletic director, Steele increased program quality and engagement while building out critical initiatives focused on education of the whole-person, virtue development, and partner-school relationships. As principal he will lead the partnerships with families, the scholars' first educators, and partner schools in addition to leading the academic enterprise. In addition to his new administrative responsibilities Steele will continue to oversee the Cavalier men’s basketball program.

Speaking on the appointment, Steele remarked, “I'm both humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as John Carroll's principal. I intend to continue fulfilling John Carroll's mission of infusing God in all areas of the student experience to educate the whole person. I am eager to partner with our students, families, staff, and stakeholders in celebrating the legacy of John Carroll while leading its future.”

Dr. King is a 1996 graduate of John Carroll and has served in educational leadership positions at John Carroll, Prince of Peace Catholic School, and the Hoover City Schools. She holds her undergraduate degree and completed her Master of Education, Education Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees at Samford University. King and her family attend Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover.

“I’m very excited to be returning home to John Carroll,” said Dr. King. “I look forward to supporting our first-class team of faculty and staff as we work together to provide the dynamic, visionary leadership to meet today’s educational challenges in support of all John Carroll students.”

Dr. King will focus on academic and curricular improvement initiatives to ensure that John Carroll scholars are ready to flourish in future academic study and in life.

"In these rapidly changing times, I am confident that our leadership team, led by Mr. Steele, will steward John Carroll's proud legacies and ensure that our school remains boldly Catholic, academically excellent, and rooted in truth," said Father Jon Chalmers, John Carroll’s president.

To learn more, visit www.jcchs.org.