Louisville, Kentucky, December 8, 2025
In a recent video interview, Dr. Karen McNay, President of Sacred Heart Schools, shared insights into the school’s strategic expansion and community engagement efforts. The Sacred Heart Forever Campaign aims to raise $30 million to improve educational facilities and enhance scholarship opportunities. Key projects include a new dining space and a STEM center, focusing on sustainability. Dr. McNay emphasized the importance of integrating Ursuline values into the school’s mission and enhancing community involvement.
Louisville, Kentucky – Dr. Karen McNay, President of Sacred Heart Schools, Discusses Strategic Expansion and Community Engagement
In a recent video interview, Dr. Karen McNay, President of Sacred Heart Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, shared insights into the institution’s strategic expansion and its commitment to community engagement. The discussion highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational facilities and strengthen its mission-driven initiatives.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Dr. McNay detailed the Sacred Heart Forever Campaign, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving student facilities, expanding endowments to support scholarships, and bolstering the school’s annual fund. As of September 9, 2025, the campaign has successfully raised $25 million of its $30 million goal. Key components of the expansion include:
- State-of-the-Art Dining Space and Conference Center: Scheduled for construction in summer or fall of 2026, these facilities will serve as a Student Life Hub for high school students at Sacred Heart Academy.
- Ursuline Innovation STEM Center: Located in the former Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Laundry Building, this $5 million project includes an environmental education program, outdoor classroom, and greenhouse, with availability to students as early as October 2025.
Community Engagement and Mission Integration
Emphasizing the importance of community engagement, Dr. McNay discussed the establishment of the Office of Catholic Identity and Ursuline Charism in July 2022. This office aims to integrate the Ursuline core values into all aspects of the school’s operations. The leadership team comprises:
- Mia Cooper: Vice President of Mission and Community, focusing on increasing equity and community in alignment with Catholic Social Teaching.
- Jane Cruthirds: Director of Mission Formation, responsible for developing programs that integrate the Ursuline Charism into the curriculum.
- Andrea Hoback: Campus Minister and Catechetical Program Manager, leading campus ministry and catechetical programs.
Dr. McNay highlighted the strategic importance of this office, stating that it is “immeasurable” in carrying forward the mission of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. She emphasized the school’s duty and privilege to continue their legacy and mission into the future.
Background on Dr. Karen McNay
Before joining Sacred Heart Schools in June 2020, Dr. McNay served as President of the Ursuline Academy of New Orleans. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in doubling the endowment and guiding the school’s recovery efforts post-Hurricane Katrina. Dr. McNay holds a Master of Education from Xavier University and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky. She is deeply committed to the Ursuline Charism and believes in educating students to be compassionate leaders ready to make a difference in the world.
About Sacred Heart Schools
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Sacred Heart Schools is a Catholic educational institution sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. The campus includes Sacred Heart Model School, Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart Preschool, and Sacred Heart School for the Arts, serving nearly 2,000 students. The institution is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic faith and Ursuline values, preparing students to be leaders in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sacred Heart Forever Campaign?
The Sacred Heart Forever Campaign is a comprehensive plan aimed at improving student facilities, expanding endowments to support scholarships, and bolstering the school’s annual fund. As of September 9, 2025, the campaign has successfully raised $25 million of its $30 million goal.
What is the Office of Catholic Identity and Ursuline Charism?
Established in July 2022, the Office of Catholic Identity and Ursuline Charism aims to integrate the Ursuline core values into all aspects of the school’s operations. The leadership team comprises Mia Cooper, Jane Cruthirds, and Andrea Hoback.
Who is Dr. Karen McNay?
Dr. Karen McNay is the President of Sacred Heart Schools in Louisville, Kentucky. Before joining Sacred Heart Schools in June 2020, she served as President of the Ursuline Academy of New Orleans and holds a Master of Education from Xavier University and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky.
Key Features of Sacred Heart Schools
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Sponsorship | Ursuline Sisters of Louisville |
| Schools on Campus | Sacred Heart Model School, Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart Preschool, Sacred Heart School for the Arts |
| Student Enrollment | Nearly 2,000 students |
| Educational Focus | Comprehensive education rooted in Catholic faith and Ursuline values |
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