Dr. Ann Keyl named new principal of St. Mary’s School

The Memphis Diocese Announces New Principal for St. Mary’s School in Jackson, TN

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ann Keyl as the new principal of St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025.

After an extensive search and discussions with several candidates, the search committee comprised of parents from the school board, the President of Memphis Catholic Schools and HR director of the Diocese of Memphis, leaders from St. Mary’s parish, including Father David Graham and Father Dennis Schenkel unanimously agreed to offer this pivotal role to Dr. Ann Keyl.

Fr. Schenkel said, “I am grateful to Fr. David and the St. Mary’s School Board for the thoughtful and deliberative work that has resulted in bringing Dr. Keyl to our school. I am excited to get started with her and all our families at St. Mary’s when I arrive in July. Jesus deserves our best, and I think we are starting well.”

“Dr. Keyl, as an alum of and former teacher at St. Mary’s School, has deep roots at St. Mary’s,” said Fr. Graham. “With so much experience, deep passion and vibrant faith, Dr. Keyl will help lead our school family into the next 150 years in serving the children of our community.  St. Mary’s is a school that changes students’ lives for the better and Dr. Keyl has seen that firsthand for herself and for her three boys.”

Dr. Keyl brings 24 years of experience in education as well as almost 4 years in the private healthcare industry. Ann is known for her commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and student-centered leadership. She holds degrees from The University of Memphis in education with a master’s in counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies. At St. Mary’s School, she was the middle school math teacher from 2009 – 2013. At Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, Ann was the assistant principal and school counselor from 2013-2015 and then President/Principal from 2015-2022.  Since 2022, she has designed, implemented and led recruitment for Dynamix Physical Therapy.

Dr. Keyl’s gifts and talents have garnered various awards over the years. Some of these are: Jackson 40 Outstanding Leaders under 40 in February 2015, Principal of the Year by TSSAA district 7 in 2019, Educator of the Year “Christ the Teacher” Diocese of Memphis Catholic Schools in 2019 and Jackson Chamber Leadership Jackson Graduate 2021.

“I am honored to join St. Mary’s School and look forward to partnering with staff, students, and families to build on the school’s tradition of excellence- it feels like coming home,” said Keyl who herself and her three sons attended St. Mary’s School. “Together with Father Dennis and the staff, we will continue to create an environment where every student and family thrives in a joyful and loving environment.”

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