Birmingham, AL – The Diocese of Birmingham and the Board of Trustees of St. John Paul II Catholic High School (JPII) are pleased to announce that Dr. Lanny K. Hollis has accepted the position of Headmaster, effective July 1, 2018.
JPII is located in Huntsville.
Dr. Lanny K. Hollis
Originally from Lawrence County, Tennessee, Dr. Hollis will join JPII after spending the majority of his career serving students and their families in the Catholic school system of the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio. A long-time high school and university educator in multiple disciplines, Dr. Hollis’s most recent position is as Associate Principal. Dr. Hollis holds a Ph.D. in Learning and Development from Cleveland State University, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics (Spanish Language Instruction & TESOL) from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.A. in Educational Administration from Ursuline College, an M.A. in Religious Studies from Indiana University, an Master of Theological Studies from St. Meinrad School of Theology, and a B.A. in Psychology from St. Meinrad College, along with Certification in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy.
Dr. David Anders, Director Education and Lifelong Formation, said “I am pleased that Dr. Hollis has chosen to guide St. John Paul II Catholic High School. The Headmaster is responsible for implementing the total instructional program, including the school’s academic goals, improvement, and faith formation.”
Dr. Hollis states, “I am overjoyed to come home; my family has lived along the Tennessee-Alabama State Line for over 150 years. I am honored to serve as Headmaster in this wonderful community of scholars. Catholic education with its emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development has been the passion of my life. I am eager to share that life’s journey with these young men and women, their families, the JPII staff, and the wider Huntsville community. The JPII community excels in the areas of academic achievement, university and career readiness, service, faith development, and school spirit. It will be my privilege to continue that legacy and to collaborate in the great work of the many dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff, past and present. Together, we will assure that each student is inspired to reach his/her greatest potential. Go Falcons!”
Ms. Kerri Kay, English Department Chair remarked “Dr. Hollis has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Catholic Schools’ system. I believe he will work hard to continue the JPII legacy.” The JPII faculty and staff had an opportunity to meet with Dr. Hollis in March. Ms. Kay continued, “It was a good meeting; we were able to have an open dialogue with Dr. Hollis and we were impressed with his vision for JPII moving forward. Change brings with it trepidation of the unknown. Dr. Hollis was very supportive of our school, students and faculty and staff.”
Dr. Hollis holds state licensures/certifications in school administration, Spanish, and comprehensive social studies. He has served on numerous statewide and local educational boards, including technology, special education, dyslexia, and autism. Other professional activities include conference presentations on second language methodology, special education instruction for language learners, and research in learning and learning differences. He has worked extensively in school accreditation and improvement through AdvancED/North Central Accreditation Association, recently chairing professional teams at the Ohio State Schools for the Blind and the Deaf.
In his spare time, Dr. Hollis enjoys travel, reading, and membership in the Oblates of St. Benedict, Knights of Columbus, and the Interreligious Task Force on Central America.