We invite you to share your input by completing our Strategic Plan Relocation Survey, simply just click on the link here.

Dear Friends,

IWA executes our strategic plan on a five-year cycle and are in the beginning stages of preparing our next 5-year strategic plan. As we look ahead, we are happy to share a brief update on what we have accomplished since our last strategic plan.  While the last five years have been atypical, primarily due to COVID-19, substantial progress has been made in executing the goals that we set for the school in 2019.   

Specifically, areas of focus were academic excellence, faculty excellence, and facility improvements.  In the area of academic excellence, we launched a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program and opened our STEM lab.  We have seen great results so far in this area as our Robotics and eSports teams have experienced success and placed in state-wide competitions.  There has been intentionality around attracting and retaining veteran educators who bring a wealth of experience in differentiating curriculum and instruction.  81% of our recent faculty hires have a master’s degree and six of those hires have a doctoral degree in their field.  These advanced degree faculty members provide us the opportunity to expand our dual credit program with UMSL and SLU, in addition to expanding AP classes.  The campus has undergone a significant revitalization with renovations to our chapel, cafeteria, theater, and gymnasium, and we installed a new multi-sport turf field to improve the overall experiences for our students and athletes. 

As we embark on updating our Strategic Plan, we want to ensure that our plans are rooted in data and valued input from all our constituents.  Regularly reviewing and analyzing all areas of school life is a standard part of our process and helps us to think strategically about resources, facilities, programs, staffing, services, budgets, and long-term plans to best serve our evolving student population. This data will provide the foundation for assessing the models and academic programs, and the sustainability of these options in the future. 

Our goal is to put stakeholders at the center of the planning process and our intention is to gather feedback from as many people as possible.  In order to do this, Incarnate Word Academy has partnered with the national Catholic school planning firm, Meitler, to support the research element of our planning efforts.  Meitler will engage with internal and external constituents through several research mechanisms including demographic analysis, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.  They will take time to listen to you all and to hear your hopes and dreams for Incarnate Word Academy before we begin to map any plan for our future.

All constituents will have an opportunity to offer insights that will ensure a full-dimensional and cohesive plan is created.  In August, we will begin outreach with parents, students, alumnae and friends, so that we can move quickly toward getting a complete picture from all of our constituents.   

We humbly ask that you keep Incarnate Word Academy in your prayers as we move forward in this process.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!  Forever Amen.

Sharon L. Gerken ‘78 Herb Ehrhard
President Chairman
Board of Trustees

No chalk marks are on the track whenever Incarnate Word takes the oval for a relay race. 

Ehrhard retired from the Boeing Company in 2018, after a distinguished 32-year career holding numerous positions in finance. Ehrhard was the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis for Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) and also served as CFO for Global Strike Division.  He has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the past three years serving on the executive and finance committees.  

“I’m very pleased that Herb Ehrhard will lead the next chapter of our work in his new role as board chair. Herb has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing IWA’s mission, and we’re looking forward to his leadership,” said Lisa Behlmann ’77, outgoing chairperson.

New board members also began their three-year terms with Incarnate Word Academy’s Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2023. The two new board members are:

Mr. Jason Ramthun, Community Bank President-Missouri at Peoples National Bank. 
Mr. Brian Roberts, CEO of Synergy Wealth Solutions, a MassMutual Firm.

UIW’s president, Dr. Thomas Evans, announced these fantastic new opportunities during an all all-school assembly. After his remarks, Dr. Evans and Sharon Gerken ’78, IWA’s president, signed the official agreement. Afterwards, Dr. Evans and Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI ’59, UIW’s Senior Advisor to the President for Special Gifts & Sponsored Ministries, shared breakfast with a group of IWA students and toured the campus.

“This magnificent new scholarship program has the potential to change the lives of our Women of the Word,” Sharon Gerken commented. “We are thrilled to partner with another CCVI Sponsored Ministry to further the mission of the Sisters, UIW, and Incarnate Word Academy.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KATIE VANDEVEN WILSON ’01 SELECTED AS THE NEW PRINCIPAL OF INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY

4/2/2020

ST. LOUIS, MO – Dr. Randy Mikolas, president, is pleased to announce the selection of Katie VanDeven Wilson ’01 as the next principal of Incarnate Word Academy, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio.

Dr. Mikolas made the announcement to the school community on Thursday, April 2, 2020. She cited Wilson’s academic credentials, her deep commitment to Catholic education and her strong faith background as key contributing factors in her selection. “We are delighted to have Katie return to her Incarnate Word Academy family,” Mikolas said. “Katie’s passion for learning is inspiring, and we look forward to her partnership with our outstanding faculty and staff to continue to bring an excellent education to our students.”

“As I shared with the interview committee, this is one in a series of God moments,” Wilson commented. “He is telling me this is where I need to be, back home at IWA! My family and I are deeply rooted at Incarnate Word Academy, as my mom and aunts (on both sides) graduated from IWA,” she added. “I look forward to meeting everyone, getting to know the community, and building lasting relationships. I am honored to be back in the presence of these amazing young Women of the Word, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and mentor them.”

Katie Wilson currently serves as the Upper School Assistant Principal at Visitation Academy of St. Louis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Spring Hill College, a master’s degree in biology from the University of South Alabama, and an Educational Leadership Specialist Degree from St. Louis University.  Wilson will officially begin her new duties as IWA’s principal on July 1, 2020.

Educational Background:
BA in Biology from Washington University St. Louis 
This is Tanja's 19th year as a teacher at IWA.

1. Favorite person in your field: Jane Goodall

2. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing? National Park Ranger

3. Any pets? Golden Retriever named Raime

4. Into which Hogwarts house would you be sorted? Ravenclaw

5. Favorite app: Spider Solitaire

6. Which teacher had the greatest impact on you? My Biology and Anatomy teacher, Mr. Basile

7. What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies? Steven King’s Dark Tower Series or the Harry Potter Series

8. If you could take students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them? Yellowstone National Park or the Galapagos Islands

9. What song should students listen to when doing work for your class? “Science is Real” by They Might Be Giants

10. In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Mrs. Grupe’s Tap Dance class

11. What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching? Theatre

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science – Mathematics from Truman State University
Art (Printmaking) Minor – Truman State University
Master of Arts of Teaching – Lindenwood University 
This is Michelle's 6th year as a teacher at IWA.

1. A. Things That I Like:  I like a slow morning sitting outside with a cup of coffee and a good book! B. Things That I Don't Like: I do not like black olives.

2. What is your favorite thing about your career? I love the variety teaching offers in regards to classes and students.  I love getting to know different students each year and learning the different dynamics of each class.  I also love being able to teach Algebra and Geometry. I enjoy being able to teach the different subjects and levels.  It may be similar material I teach every year but every year is different!

3. Favorite person in your field: Dan Meyer is probably my favorite person in my field. I am inspired by his work and making math more relatable with the way we ask students questions.    

4. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing? I have never thought about this! I think if I wasn’t a teacher, I would think about engineering or possibly an event planner.

5. Any pets? Yes, I have a dog.  She is white with a black spot over her right eye.  She looks like the Little Rascals dog but we didn’t name her Spot, we named her Sam.

6. Into which Hogwarts house would you be sorted? Being the huge Harry Potter fan that I am, I have taken the online sorting quiz, and I was sorted into Ravenclaw. I LOVE the color blue and I love learning so I am a proud Ravenclaw!

7. What is one of your hidden talents? I would say a talent of mine that isn’t on display at school is cooking.  I love traveling and eating different foods. Then, I really enjoy coming home to try and recreate the dishes.  My friends are willing dinner guests to try my creations, and I have learned a lot about cooking.  Or, I would say, I was an Art minor in college and specialized in Printmaking. Recently, I have enjoyed doing some calligraphy and brush lettering.

8. What is the one thing you couldn’t teach without? The one thing I couldn’t teach without is my Smart Board, 100%.  I love teaching with its different colored pens and highlighters.  I am blessed to learn how to utilize color effective in teaching from my mentor during student teaching.  

9. Which teacher had the greatest impact on you? There are quite a few I could mention throughout all my years of teaching.  I would say my 8th teacher.  We had an 8th grade project during fourth quarter.  We each had to pick a topic in history, research it, write a paper, and present on our topic.  She issued a challenge to us, “Do something more than a poster board. Be creative with your presentation.”  I had chosen the Charles Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping case (I am not sure why or how I came to this topic).  I decided to build the Charles Lindbergh house out of cardboard.  When it came time to present, I asked my class to gather around my house and peer into the house.  Then, I presented the story by moving the characters throughout the house and placing the evidence around the house.  I saw how my classmates would zone out during other presentations but they were all engaged when they were up peering into the house.  I kept the house up until recently since it was the first time I thought, “I think I could and would enjoy being a teacher.”

10. What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies? I would bring the Harry Potter series. I love re-reading the series.  I have watched the movies over and over again. When I pick the books back up, I forget how much detail is in the books and I get lost in the world!  If I could bring a TV Show, I would bring The Office or Parks and Rec.

11. If you were to be given a superlative when you were in school, what would it have been? In high school, my senior superlative was “Best Handwriting.”  I write in cursive now but in high school I would write in print and most of my classmates commented that it looked like I typed my notes.

12. What’s a school sport or activity you enjoy watching? I really enjoy being able to see our students outside of the classroom. I really enjoy being able to take my friends to see our students perform in our theater productions.  

From left to right: Isabel Williams ’20, Jenna Robben ’19, Kaylee Schafer ’20, Paige Jackson ’19, Erynn McLemore ’20, Hanna Wroblewski ’20 & Madison Alexander ’21.

Claire Attended Truman State University, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in History. She then attended graduate school at Truman and received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. Claire says that she is “so thankful for the history and teaching program Truman offered. I left college excited to share my passion with students.” 

Claire teaches World History and AP World History to Sophomores, and she also teaches Government classes for Seniors. In addition to her teaching duties, she is the Department Chair of Social Studies, moderator of the Model United Nations Club, and the assistant Cross Country coach. “This sport has taught me the importance of mental focus and how strong some of our athletes can be. These girls are so talented and it is always so exciting to see them grow each season,” Claire said.

In her time away from IWA, Claire is a swimming coach and she loves to learn anything she can about Russian history, especially the Cold War. Claire recently got married – to a fellow history buff! “We met at Truman in a history class and he now teaches at Webster Groves High School.”

Alex received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from IUPUI in 2012. She attended graduate school at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Following graduate school, Alex worked as a therapist for abused and neglected children at a residential facility in North County. “During this time, I strengthened my passion for helping children, providing resources for those in need, and advocating for those with mental health issues,” she said.

Alex is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). “I come from a family of social workers, having had both of my parents work in the mental health field. I have always had a strong desire to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate.” In the spring of 2018, Alex accepted a position as the Guidance Counselor at IWA. Upon accepting this position, Alex remarked, “I could not be happier to be back at IWA. Having the opportunity to teach, encourage, and aid students as they mature - in the same way that IWA helped me - makes me proud to be a Woman on the Word!”

In her spare time, Alex enjoys running, playing soccer and volunteering within the community.

He loved the experience and found himself at Incarnate Word Academy the next school year.  While teaching, he also realized how his former obsession with making law school affordable through merit-based scholarships directly translated to high school students: he realized that, just as achieving a few extra LSAT points would have saved him hundreds of thousands of dollars, his students' path of making college affordable was through the ACT.  As such, he developed the first full-length ACT preparation class at IWA in Spring 2017.  Only two years into devising that initial curriculum, his ACT preparation practice has expanded to him - along with other IWA teachers - forming partnerships with UMSL, the HBCU Alumni Association, and other local high schools. To date, he and his colleagues have served over 1,200 ACT students in the St. Louis area. 

Despite this, he still writes with local attorneys as a "hobby," which includes him helping to advance a case currently in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth District - one step below the United States Supreme Court.  Though he never plans to find himself in a courtroom, his diverse background adds character to a classroom perhaps not experienced elsewhere.

Just two weeks after the successful run of Steel Magnolias (see photo below), Julie Lanier is already hard at work on the remaining slate of productions for the year. She is currently overseeing rehearsals for the senior-directed one act play festival, which opens on November 15. The spring musical, Mary Poppins, follows in quick succession. The intricacies involved in staging the popular Disney extravaganza are ever-present in this director’s mind. “Making Mary fly in our production of Mary Poppins is something I am eagerly anticipating. I enjoy challenging the students in our productions and exposing them to new theatrical mediums.”

Julie has been teaching at Incarnate Word Academy for the past six years. She considers her direction of last year’s musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, as her greatest achievement thus far during her tenure at IWA. “It's such a difficult piece to tackle, especially with high school students. The music is hard, the characters are intense, they are singing non-stop for the entire play and the technical aspect of the show is equally difficult. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant when we opened and we were nominated for a technical award for the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards. I was very proud of what our students accomplished during that production.”

In addition to overseeing the major theatrical productions for IWA, Julie teaches all of the drama courses, the speech communication class, both the leadership & leadership in action classes, and the video production class. Julie is also moderator of the Drama Club.

Julie received both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting and Directing and a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Education from Fontbonne University.

Along with teaching, Julie is a professional actor and has worked for several prominent theatre companies in and around St. Louis. She is a two-time Kevin Kline Award nominee for excellence in acting. She works locally as a director, choreographer, acting coach and adjunct professor for the Theatre Department at Fontbonne University. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and she is currently in the Equity Membership Candidacy program.

Brittany Lee '18 (seen at far left, above) was one of just 11 students selected for the Student Career Development Program at Boeing. The Student Career Development Program started as a pilot program in June, and provided a paid summer experience for 11 high school and one college student to work on an unmanned air vehicle under the leadership of Boeing Research and Technology and Education Relations. The program was designed to allow students the opportunity to work with Boeing engineers and get hands on experiential learning.

Congratulations, Brittany!  See Brittany and her colleagues and learn more about her experience by watching the video HERE.

Educators of Distinction are outstanding role models and exemplary practitioners who have made a lasting difference in a student's life by encouraging them to strive for excellence, not just in their academic pursuits, but in all their endeavors. Educators of Distinction are invited to attend the Society’s free member events around the country and are recognized with a personalized certificated presented by NSHSS Founder and Chairman, Claes Nobel. Educators of Distinction are also eligible to compete for NSHSS’ Educator of the Year award.

Caitlyn received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Louis University in 2010, and went on to receive a Master of Theological Studies degree (concentration in Ancient Christianity and Judaism) from Boston College in 2012 and a Master of Theological Studies degree (concentration in Biblical Studies) from the University of Notre Dame in 2014.

Caitlyn is the Chair of the Theology Department at IWA, and is an adjunct professor at both the University of Missouri - St. Louis and St. Louis University. Caitlyn is also the head Cross Country coach and the assistant Lacrosse coach.

About the NSHSS: Since 2002, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has been supporting young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. Co-founded by the great-nephew of Alfred Nobel, NSHSS is inspired by the mission of the Nobel Prize to support academic achievement and world betterment. NSHSS pursues this mission by connecting members with exclusive scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership opportunities, partner discounts, and more.

Congratulations to (from L-R): Kate Nabours (Valedictorian), Grace Breakfield (Valedictorian) and Brittany Lee (Salutatorian).

IWA students took up the challenge to research, write, and debate possible resolutions to world issues. With about 100 other students from across the St. Louis area, our students participated in the delegations to solve these major world issues. These issues ranged from the cholera epidemics in Zambia and Yemen to the unrest in the Holy Land.

According to President Claire Fuchs '18, "Going to the Model United Nations conferences is such an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Not only do you learn about current issues that may not be taught in school, but you gain public speaking skills and confidence, and learn to debate, defend, and refute arguments from other students. In addition, seeing students who share a similar passion to making the world a stronger, more peaceful place is fulfilling and gives insight to a hopeful future."

Each junior received a 'College and Career Handbook' and learned about the college application process from Mrs. Emma Goldberg, IWA's College and Career Counselor. After Mrs. Goldberg's opening presentation, students and parents were invited to choose among several topics in two breakout sessions. Session topics included: NCAA for College Athletes; Financial Aid; Choosing the Right College; What Colleges Look for in Students; The A+ Scholarship Program; & Choosing a Major.