Father Christopher Scott Fronk, SJ, Walsh Jesuit High School’s vice president for mission and identity, will become the 12th president of the school effective July 1, 2023. He will replace Karl Ertle who announced previously that he was stepping down after 13 years as president.
Father Fronk said his goal is “to prepare young people from diverse backgrounds for the future that awaits them and the challenges that will be part of that journey. I believe that no system prepares students better than Jesuit secondary schools where academics are emphasized, along with Ignatian spirituality, service to the community and the richness of the Catholic faith.”
His appointment was approved by the Very Rev. Karl Kiser, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits.
“I am delighted to mission Father Fronk as the next president of Walsh Jesuit. He will bring his strong faith and leadership experience to continue Walsh Jesuit’s legacy of forming women and men inspired by Jesus’ love to live lives of service as Men and Women for Others,” Father Kiser said.
With Father Fronk’s appointment, Walsh Jesuit’s board of directors, led by chair Tom Haag, class of 1981, said they are looking forward to “continuous growth aligned with implementation of our strategic plan. Father Fronk will provide strong leadership, utilize his extensive education and experience to communicate effectively and build trusting relationships across our community in fulfillment of our Jesuit mission,” Haag added.
Father Fronk has 37 years’ experience in education and in working with Ignatian spirituality. Before coming to Walsh Jesuit, he served three years as the president of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also served in the United States Navy as a command chaplain assigned to Helmand Province, Afghanistan and aboard the USS George H. W. Bush, along with other command chaplain assignments.
Father Fronk earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Louis University, a master’s degree in theology from the University of London, a master’s degree in religious education from Duquesne University and an M.M.S. degree from the Marine Corps University. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1997.
Walsh Jesuit, a coed college preparatory high school in the spirit of St. Ignatius Loyola, has about 1,000 students. It opened in September 1965 in Cuyahoga Falls and is a member of the Jesuit Schools Network.