Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and Holy Family Elementary School are proud to announce the selection of Dr. Mark Pahls , Ed.D. as the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement for the 2008-2009 academic year. Dr. Pahls was selected from a field of many excellent candidates after an intense search following recommendations of a strategic plan put forth by the Meitler Group, Inc.

Dr. Pahls is a graduate of Tipton Catholic High School and Fort Hays State University, wherein he earned his B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science and M.S. in Education Administration. He received his doctorate from the University of Kansas in Health, Sport and Exercise Science, and is a candidate for a Masters of Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.

Currently Dr. Pahls is Associate Athletic Director at Fort Hays State University, wherein he has also taught courses in health and human performance, education, and has coached. In his capacity as Associate Director, he directs day-to-day operations of the department, including budgeting, fund raising, facilities planning, strategic planning, marketing and promotions, donor and benefactor relations, personnel supervision, special events management, team coordination and financial aide compliance. Previously he served as Assistant Principal at Ell-Saline High School and has taught mathematics there and at Victoria High School and Chapman High School.

“When this position became possible, I was convinced that God had someone picked out for us. I have no doubt we found His choice. I believe Mark’s work will play a significant role in the future of Catholic education in Hays“, stated Ms. Jean Ross, President of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.

In his duties as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Pahls will work to solicit funds for the Hays Catholic schools and to promote the mission of the schools to donors, benefactors, alumni, alumnae and other stakeholders. Dr. Pahls will be charged with public relations, alumni relations, working with the Endowment Board, capital campaign management, events planning, major gifts solicitation, and reaching out to all supporters of the two schools.

Under the new governance model for Hays Catholic schools, Denis P. Coakley, current Principal and Headmaster at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, will assume the presidency for Thomas More Prep-Marian working with the principal of Holy Family, Mrs. Jana Simon, along with other staff members Mr. Leroy Schmidtberger, Vice President for Business and Finance, Mrs. Michelle Fairbank, Vice President for Admissions and Residency, and Mr. Thomas Kisner, Vice President for Grounds and Operations.

Mrs. Simon feels very confident in Dr. Pahls. “Mark Pahls will be a great asset to the Hays Catholic Schools.  I look forward to working with him in these exciting days of change.  Mark will be instrumental in helping us fulfill God’s mission of educating his children.”

TMP-Marian News Release

May 8, 2008