Timothy P. Devine '88 Named Loyola Academy Principal

Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, announced on January 11, 2023, that Mr. Timothy P. Devine '88 of Chicago has been named Loyola Academy's next principal.
Mr. Devine has nearly 25 years of classroom and administrative experience, most recently as social studies teacher here at Loyola Academy, from which he is a proud graduate of the Class of 1988. Before returning to Loyola in 2020, Mr. Devine served as principal of Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago for nine years. During his time as principal, Payton was consistently ranked as one of the top 25 high schools in the United States. He added 25 honors and AP courses to the school's curriculum; significantly expanded the footprint of visual and performing arts on campus with the construction of a black box theater and the addition of five visual/performing arts classes; created substantive and effective programs for the school's Black, LatinX, and first-generation students; and enhanced curricular, athletic, and cocurricular offerings across the board. He currently serves as a fellow on the Golden Apple Foundation.

Loyola has been central to the formation of four generations of Devines. His grandfather (William P. Devine '25), father (Richard A. Devine '61), uncle (William Devine '67), and brothers (Matt R. Devine '85 and Peter C. Devine '90) are Loyola grads. Additionally, many nieces and nephews are young alumni or current students. "Loyola instilled in all of us a commitment to serving others, and it is a privilege to share my gifts to serve the mission, people, and programs of Loyola Academy. I look forward to the work we will do, together," says Mr. Devine.

"I am honored to serve as Loyola's next principal and wish to thank Fr. Greg Ostdiek and the Principal Search Committee for entrusting me with the great responsibility of this role," Mr. Devine continues. "Loyola Academy is a place like no other. While constantly evolving to meet the unique needs and challenges of each new generation, Loyola is deeply rooted in the timeless Jesuit values of faith and service that continue to guide young people to lead lives of meaning and purpose."

Previously, Mr. Devine also taught at Northside College Prep and Bowen High School, both in Chicago, worked with the Museum of Broadcast Communications and the University of Illinois to develop the Great Debate curriculum, and served as budget and policy analyst for the City of Chicago Office of Management and Budget, where he acted as liaison between the Mayor's Office and numerous city departments. He has extensively lectured on pedagogy and assessment in social science teaching methods courses at both Northwestern University and DePaul University.

Among his many accolades, Mr. Devine received the Chicago Public Schools Principal Achievement Award from Mayor Rahm Emanuel (2015); he was named Principal of the Year by the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago High School Media Awards (2017); and he is a multi-year recipient of the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award (2013–2018).

A lifelong learner, Mr. Devine is currently working on a certificate in Jesuit Studies from Boston College. His additional graduate studies include school leadership at Harvard University; administration and supervision at Loyola University; cognitive learning science, education law, and education policy at Northwestern University; secondary teaching (social studies) at the University of St. Thomas; and American, European, and World History at the University of Minnesota. He holds a bachelor of arts in political science from Cornell College.

The appointment of Mr. Devine as Loyola's next principal is the culmination of a comprehensive national search that drew a diverse pool of applicants, all of whom impressed the search committee with their rich experience in both public and private schools, their diverse backgrounds, interesting educational paths, and robust leadership roles.

Mr. Devine replaces outgoing Principal Charlie Heintz, who is leaving Loyola Academy to serve as principal of Regis Jesuit High School in Manhattan. Mr. Heintz is a native of New York City, and this new opportunity will allow him to return home after many years in the midwest. “Our school community extends its gratitude to Mr. Heintz who, for more than two decades at Loyola, has been an exemplary leader, a positive collaborator, and innovative problem solver,” says Fr. Ostdiek. “We wish him Godspeed as he takes his outstanding talents to Regis High School.”

Mr. Devine will assume his position as principal at the end of the current school year. Before then, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, he will be working closely with Mr. Heintz, the school leadership team, and administration.

In a statement to the school community, Fr. Ostdiek expressed his gratitude to the members of the Principal Search Committee, which was led by Beth Waid-Prince (teacher, Science): Genevieve Atwood (vice president for athletics and fitness), Matt Couture (provincial assistant for secondary and pre-secondary education, Jesuit Schools Network), Michael Gombac (teacher, English Department), John Holecek (assistant athletic director), Preston Kendall (Board of Trustees), and Tania Pineda (Languages). In partnership with Educational Directions, Loyola’s search firm led by Mathew Heersche and Risa Oganesoff Heersche, they reviewed applications, interviewed qualified candidates, and recommended finalists. These finalists then visited Loyola for one-on-one meetings, small group discussions, and larger forums open to all faculty/staff members. 

 “Here at the end of the Advent and Christmas seasons we are perhaps more mindful than ever of all the blessings we have at Loyola Academy,” says Fr. Ostdiek. “We are indebted to Charlie for the tremendous work he has done here; we anticipate, with gratitude and excitement, all that Tim will accomplish with us; and, most of all, we give thanks for the blessing of all that God is inviting us to be and to do together here at Loyola Academy.”
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