MILWAUKEE – Jeff Monday, a 1984 graduate of Marquette University High School, will succeed Jesuit Fr. John Belmonte as principal of MUHS, the school announced Tuesday afternoon.
Fr. Belmonte announced in March that he was leaving the school to become superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Joliet (Ill.)
Since 1997, Monday has served as executive vice president of Messmer Catholic Schools and principal of Messmer High School. He began his career at Messmer High School in 1988 and during the past 20 years also served as vice principal, mathematics teacher, advisor and coach.
Monday has been instrumental in the success Messmer Catholic Schools have achieved in providing a high quality, Catholic education to a diverse, urban population. Monday also serves as executive vice president of the Messmer Catholic Schools Board of Directors. Messmer Catholic Schools include Messmer High School, Messmer Preparatory School, St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic schools.
According to a release from MUHS, Marquette’s interview committee, led by Jesuit Fr. Jeffrey LaBelle and Kathleen Cepelka, recently named school superintendent for the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese, both faculty members in the School of Education at Marquette University, unanimously approved the hiring of Monday. The committee was made up of faculty, alumni and board members.
Monday has received many awards and honors for his work in education, including the Outstanding Leadership Award by the faculty of Messmer Catholic Schools (2010), Marquette University High School Alumni Merit Award (2007), Archbishop’s Distinguished Educator Award (2006), Marquette University School of Education Young Alumnus of the Year Award (2002), and the FBI Citizen’s Academy Award (2002). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program School’s Association and the House of Peace.
Monday earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb., and a master’s degree of education in administration and supervision from Marquette University.
Monday is the fourth lay principal to serve Marquette University High School in its 153-year history. He and his wife, Patty, reside in Wauwatosa with their two children, and are members of Christ King Parish.
