Academy President Search

Ursuline Academy of New Orleans Names Laurie Eichelberger Leiva as Next President

March 22, 2024

Dear Ursuline Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Search Committee, and the Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province, I am both pleased and excited to announce that Laurie Eichelberger Leiva has been selected as the new President of Ursuline Academy New Orleans, effective 1 July 2024.

“Ursuline’s mission and values, the overarching commitment to Serviam, and the opportunity to continue building on the history of educating young women in New Orleans resonates deeply with me. It is with a tremendous sense of honor and gratitude that I accept the role of President at Ursuline Academy New Orleans. Meeting the students, alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, trustees, and Sisters during the interview process was inspiring and I look forward to joining them in embracing the rich legacy of Ursuline and the vibrant spirit of St. Angela Merici in preparation for the tricentennial anniversary in 2027.”   -  Laurie Leiva

Laurie comes to us from the Advancement Leadership Team at Loyola University New Orleans with a proven track record of transformative leadership, a commitment to educational access and excellence, and a deep understanding of Catholic education.  She earned her Master of Education at the University of South Carolina and her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Loyola.  She has also completed the two-year Ignatian Colleagues Program, sponsored by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, which educates and forms administrators and faculty in the Jesuit and Catholic tradition of higher education.  Laurie will lead our school with an affinity for the charism of St. Angela Merici, lean strongly in toward our Mission, and promote a compelling vision for the Academy.  We know that our commitment to Serviam and our ideals of Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage are values we share with Laurie.  In the outward-facing role of President, Laurie’s skills, personal attributes, and values will help her lead Ursuline Academy successfully toward and beyond our 300th anniversary in 2027. 

Laurie is married to Maj. Michael Leiva US Army (Ret.) and has two children.  Their family resides in Orleans Parish.  We eagerly welcome them into our family, the Ursuline Community.

Once again, I most sincerely thank everyone who contributed time and energy into making this a successful endeavor, including Faculty, Staff, Students, Parents, Alumnae, and Trustees who met with the candidates; everyone who participated in our online surveys; and especially the members of the Search Committee: Jessica Kennedy Becker, Dr. Kefla George Brown, Dr. Angele Thibodeaux Burns, Kaitlyn Delatte, Sr. Regina Marie Fronmuller, Jill Holland, Daniel Kiper, Terri Thibodeaux Stuckey, and Cathryn Walsh.  We also owe special thanks to our search consultants at Carney Sandoe & Associates, Barbara Daush, Karen Neitzel, and Kent Hickey.

We have happily achieved a major milestone in our path forward, thanks to the hard work and the intercessions of St. Angela and Our Lady of Prompt Succor.  I am confident that success will be our frequent companion as we will rely on those same factors to drive Ursuline forward into our shared future.

“So, persevere faithfully and joyfully in the work you have begun … and do what has to be done.”

… Prologue to the Counsels of St. Angela

Again, thank you for your continued commitment to Ursuline Academy and its Mission.  This is a special place, and you are special people.

David A. Huete

Chair, Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees