BREWER TO TAKE ON ROLE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF GARY
The Diocese of Gary is pleased to announce that Ms. Colleen J. Brewer will be succeeding Dr. Joseph Majchrowicz as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective July 1. After seven years of service, Dr. Majchrowicz is retiring at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
With 26 years of experience serving in Catholic schools, Bishop Robert J. McClory described Brewer as being highly qualified and ready to accept the opportunity to collaborate with pastors, principals, faculty members, and parents to provide best practices for Catholic school education in the diocese.
“Her desire to serve our Lord through her passion for Catholic school education is evident not only in her experience, but in her enthusiasm for exploring what more can be done. She will be a welcome addition to our leadership team,” he said.
Brewer holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Minor in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton (OH) and a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Loyola University in Chicago (IL). Brewer is currently working on a Doctorate in Education, at Loyola University in Chicago (IL). She anticipates completing the program in May 2024.
Brewer has served in the Archdiocese of Chicago in numerous roles as a teacher and principal for PK-12th grade, and at the diocesan level as a Regional Director for Turnaround Schools, managing a portfolio of ten schools for the archdiocese. She is currently the principal for Resurrection College Prep High School in Chicago.
She participated in ACE - Alliance for Catholic Education - Notre Dame's educational leadership program for principals and spent two years visiting schools in the city and around the country seeing high-leverage educational techniques put into practice.
Brewer describes the strength of her leadership as being two-fold, working with individuals to bring out their best work, and managing resources to give them the opportunity to make work happen as effectively as possible. She has served in many supplementary roles such as a coach, retreat leader, club moderator, graduation coordinator and accreditation supervisor.
Brewer prioritizes keeping her faith an active part of her personal and professional life. She received the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Christifideles Award in 2014 for her dedication to the Church and its ministries.
When asked about how she will approach her new role, Brewer explained, “I believe the best decisions are made through a balance of analyzing data, exploring innovative ideas and collaborating with the stakeholders involved. I believe in the power of a strong leadership team, a Catholic education, and a positive school culture.”
The devoted educator is excited to get to work and use her “skills to support educators, create structures to benefit the system, and help students know of God's unconditional love.”
Brewer grew up in the Southeast Chicago suburbs and has family in the Northwest Indiana region. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband Chris.