Leadership transition at Marquette University High SchoolRead Time 2 min

MILWAUKEE — Jesuit Fr. Michael J. Marco will succeed Jesuit Fr. Warren Sazama as the 11th president of Marquette University High School, effective July 1, 2016, according to a press release from the school, dated March 25.Jesuit Fr. Warren Sazama

After serving as president of Marquette University High School for nine years, Fr. Sazama, a 1964 alumnus who served more than 25 years at the Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory school for young men, will step down from his post June 30, 2016. Following the transition, Fr. Sazama will be 70 years old and will accept a new assignment within the Wisconsin Province.

The MUHS Board of Directors, with approval from the provincial of the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus, voted unanimously to elect Fr. Marco to lead the school, with a current enrollment of 1,084 students. He will serve as president-elect for the 2015-16 school year. 

Jesuit Fr. Michael J. Marco

“These are exciting times at Marquette University High School and I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead a high school with such a rich Jesuit history and strong Catholic tradition,” Fr. Marco said in the press release. “Fr. Sazama is leaving Marquette High in a very strong position, and I am confident that along with the entire Marquette University High community we will continue to be an institution that honors faith, scholarship and community in all that we do.”

Fr. Marco, a Nebraska native, brings with him more than 20 years of Jesuit secondary education experience, including 10 years of executive experience as president of two other Jesuit high schools. He has served as special assistant to the president at MUHS since 2013; president of Georgetown Preparatory School in Maryland, 2010-2013; president of Walsh Jesuit High School in Ohio, 2003-2010; theology teacher, department chair, director of campus ministry and assistant to the president at Creighton Preparatory High School in Nebraska, 1996-2002; and as a psychology and theology teacher, and basketball coach at MUHS, 1989-1992.

He currently serves on the boards of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee, which opens in fall. 

Fr. Marco earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University, teacher certification from Marquette University, master’s degree in religious education from Boston College, and a master of divinity degree from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology.

Jesuit Fr. Thomas A. Lawler, provincial and a 1983 graduate of MUHS, said in the written statement that he is pleased with the board’s decision.

“Fr. Marco is a fine Jesuit and priest, and a gifted administrator and leader,” he said. “I have every confidence that Fr. Marco will be an excellent leader and will continue Marquette High’s legacy as one of the best high schools in the region.”