WEST DES MOINES- Dowling Catholic High School has named a new president, with long-time president Dr. Jerry Deegan set to retire. Deegan will continue in his current role through the fall of 2017 to ensure a smooth transition.
Dr. Dan Ryan has been selected as the next president of Dowling Catholic High School. He will begin at the school on July 1, 2017.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this position,” Ryan said. “I have been consistently impressed with Dowling Catholic, and look forward to using my extensive experience to continue to advance the school and its mission.”
A Council Bluffs native, Ryan currently serves as superintendent of schools of the Diocese of Sioux City, and has been in that position for eight years. He has worked in Catholic education for more than 15 years, and received his doctorate in education from the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to his experience in Sioux City, he was an elementary and high school principal in the Davenport Diocese.
“Dan brings a tremendous wealth of experience and faith to the position,” said Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines. “We look forward to him joining our community and continuing to build on the solid foundation put in place by Dr. Deegan.”
“The presidential search committee had a number of qualified candidates apply, but the committee was unanimous in its selection of Dan,” said Steve Lacy, head of the presidential search committee. “The committee members were impressed with Dan’s vision, as well as his understanding of the evolving and changing landscape in Catholic education and the importance of continual advancement.”
