Summer greetings, Notre Dame community!
Planning for the next academic year is underway, campus beautification projects are in progress, and summer school officially begins next Monday. I write with glee about the progression of our summer projects and to share exciting leadership team news. Notre Dame High School has appointed Dr. Timothy Uhl as Interim Director of Mission and Ministry for the 2026-27 school year!
This appointment, effective July 15, recognizes that ongoing mission formation is critical to maintaining the unique Notre Dame learning community charism that defines our educational pedagogy, campus culture, and graduation outcomes. Dr. Uhl comes to us from Notre Dame High School in Salinas, CA where he served as principal for the past two years. His academic credentials are meritorious; his lifelong commitment to Catholic education and justice advocacy is exemplary. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur East-West Province Leadership and the Notre Dame Board of Directors applaud Dr. Uhl’s extensive work in Catholic entities, which have earned him regional and national recognition, and they look forward to partnering with him on mission critical priorities.
Dr. Uhl earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University, and holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in American Studies from Saint Louis University. He earned his B.A. in English and Psychology from St. Mary’s University (Texas). Prior to arriving at ND Salinas in 2024, he served as Secretary of Education and Superintendent for the Diocese of Buffalo and Superintendent of Montana Catholic Schools, and also as a consultant to the National Catholic Educational Association Leadership Advisory Council.
Under his leadership, ND Salinas flourished with 40% enrollment growth, 100% retention, and dual enrollment expansion before the Diocese of Monterey made the difficult decision to close the school earlier this year. Through this challenging process, Dr. Uhl garnered the dignity of the students, faculty, families, while simultaneously earning the respect of Notre Dame colleagues in San José and Belmont.
I commend Dr. Uhl for being a staunch supporter of NDSJ since moving to California. A passionate thought leader, he has availed his wisdom to colleagues on our campus and supported key initiatives including the 2025 Women of Impact luncheon. I trust he will continue to lead with a bold heart, grounded in our mission and commitment to Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) work.
In the fall, the Notre Dame leadership team will review and evaluate the scope of work for this important role and begin the hiring process for a permanent Director of Mission and Ministry to serve during the 2027-28 school year. As with all leadership roles, this process will include extensive and inclusive consultation with faculty and staff, campus ministry, students, and SNDdeN.
As you are finding rest with family and friends this summer, we thank you for early prayers for Dr. Uhl and his family — 12th-grade daughter Lucy, wife Joanne, 9th-grade son George, Salinas High Class of 2026 graduate Henry, and Merrina, an 11th-grade student they are hosting from China — as they transition to San José and our loving community. May our joy and wonder overwhelm and fill him with the spirit of St. Julie, with hearts as big as the world.
Respectfully,
Ashley Rae Mathis
Head of School