July 2, 2021

‘Faith and Family, Teach and Lead’ guide new superintendent

By John Shaughnessy

Brian DisneyBrian Disney became the new superintendent of Catholic schools in the archdiocese on July 1.

A member of St. Thomas More Parish in Mooresville, Disney leads the 68 Catholic schools in the archdiocese that serve more than 20,000 students across central and southern Indiana.

Disney was featured in a front-page story of The Criterion on April 23. In an interview for the story, he said, “My personal life mission is to build up the kingdom of God through servant leadership in educating hearts, minds and souls.

“My personal motto is ‘Faith and Family, Teach and Lead.’ Faith and family are the core of who I am. Teach and lead is how I express and live who I am.”

He also described his two great passions as “education of future generations and my Catholic faith.”

Disney brings a wealth of credentials to his new position. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics at Butler University in Indianapolis, a master’s degree in school counseling from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Indiana University.

In his 28 years as an educator, he has been a teacher, a coach, a counselor and, since 2013, the principal of Mooresville High School.

He was chosen in April by an archdiocesan committee that began a nationwide search after Gina Fleming resigned in July of 2020. Former assistant superintendent Mary McCoy has served as interim superintendent during the past school year—her 30th year in Catholic education in the archdiocese. Until she retires on Aug. 26, she will serve once again as an assistant superintendent.

Disney and his wife Tracy are the parents of Kate, a college student. †

 

Related story: ‘God put me in the right places,’ retiring superintendent says

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