Principal

Dr. Patricia Nugent

 Principal 

​Dr. Patricia M. Nugent

Catholic School Leader - Principal, St. Mary School, Akron

Dr. Patricia Nugent has served in Catholic Education for nearly four decades.  As a teacher, principal, and active member in diocesan education initiatives she has dedicated her professional life to the education and formation of elementary students and the development and preparation of teachers and administrators.  This year she celebrates thirty-three years as a principal in the Diocese of Cleveland.  She is currently in her ninth year as principal at St. Mary School in Akron.

As a Catholic educator, Dr. Nugent is committed to academic achievement and spiritual growth. She consistently demonstrates life-long learning by attending and oftentimes presenting at local, state, and national conferences, including Ohio Catholic Education Association (OCEA), National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).   

Dr. Nugent’s commitment to academics is evident in the performance of the schools she has served as principal.  She has the distinct honor of having led St. Hilary School to the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Recognition twice – 2001 and 2008.  In 2013, while principal of St. Joseph School, she received the Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association for outstanding leadership in elementary education.  Dr. Nugent was one of twelve educators nationwide to have earned the NCEA’s top award for principals.  

Since 1996 Dr. Nugent has been an adjunct professor at Ursuline College teaching and mentoring aspiring Catholic school administrators.   Her belief in the educational administration program at Ursuline College has led her to encourage and recruit teachers aspiring to school administration.  Dr. Nugent also has been a presenter for classes offered by the Diocese of Cleveland Education Office for new principals.  She has guided and mentored new principals.

Her support for Catholic education is further demonstrated by her service to the Ohio Catholic Schools Accreditation Association (OCSAA).  Dr. Nugent has served as an external chairperson for over twenty Catholic schools throughout the State of Ohio which participate in the OCSAA accreditation process.

While Dr. Nugent has had an impact on the academic progress of students and colleagues, she has also invested in their spiritual and faith development.  She continually seeks ways to teach and model the Gospel message.   She has participated in the Spirituality Program for Adults offered by Walsh Jesuit High School.  Dr. Nugent has shared her faith with students and peers and incorporates prayer and service in her schools.   She has also taught classes about the history of the Church and Catholic education

The call to Catholic education has been a gift to Dr. Nugent.