After serving as interim principal for the past year, Lorenzo Jones was named principal of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland. The announcement was made by Frank O’Linn, secretary for education and superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
“We are excited to elevate Mr. Jones to the role of principal at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, where he has been serving capably as interim principal, setting a tone and building strong relationships in the community,” O’Linn said. “Lorenzo will continue building the leadership team at VASJ in order to foster the community’s vibrant, welcoming Catholic culture and continue to set a high bar for academic excellence.”
Jones has served in a variety of leadership roles within education during his career, including as principal of Holy Name School in Cleveland, lead teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Cleveland, developer and manager of the Chance for Change program and as an associate teacher/counselor at the Positive Education Program in Northeast Ohio.
“It’s an honor to serve as principal of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School,” Jones said, “With more than 25 years’ worth of experience working with teachers, parents and students, I understand the challenges surrounding Catholic education. At VASJ. Our goal is to continue to make academic success a realization for each and every student.”
Jones said his priority as principal is to ensure that VASJ stays competitive academically.
“As the only school in the world that’s co-sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers, a VASJ education is uniquely different. I want VASJ to be an academic portal to the future of our students,” he said.
Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in 1997 from Kent State University. He went on receive a master of education degree from Cleveland State University in 2001. He also completed educational administration courses at Ursuline College.
VASJ is a Catholic, comprehensive college-preparatory school rooted in the Ursuline and Marianist traditions and committed to the spiritual, academic and personal growth of each student.