New leader of all-boys prep school has family ties to institution

METUCHEN — Upon hearing about the search for a president of Saint Joseph High School, John G. Nolan was sure the position would be a perfect fit for him. It would combine his 35-plus years in fundraising experience, his commitment to his Catholic faith, and his dedication to the high school. His son, John, graduated from Saint Joe’s in 2009.
 

“I have had a deep belief in what the school does and delivers for its young men,” Nolan said. “Over his four years as a Falcon, I watched my son grow from a boy into a well-rounded and successful man and he remains engaged and involved in his alma mater.”
 

In selecting its new president, Saint Joseph’s Board of Directors did choose Nolan to lead the 500 students at the all-boys high school. He started his new job Oct. 19, succeeding Sacred Heart Brother Ronald Talbot, who had been serving as interim president since July.
 

Nolan’s main task will be to work closely with the Advancement and Alumni Relations team. He feels it is imperative that they engage alumni, continue to raise money for operations, Needs-Based Financial Assistance and the endowment, to ensure the school continues its legacy. Saint Joseph High’s roots were established more than 120 years ago as a minor seminary run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. The brothers still serve at Saint Joe’s, but in 1961 they transitioned it into a high school.
 

Although Nolan is not a product of a Catholic elementary or high school education, he is well-versed in its importance. His mother was a Catholic educator for more than 20 years and he has seen the benefits of Catholic education first-hand through his son and two daughters. In addition, Nolan, a graduate of Niagara University (N.Y.), said the Vincentian Fathers who run the Catholic college, “contributed greatly along with my parents to the faithful Catholic man I have become today.”
 

He also credits his parents with his commitment to his faith and Catholic education because they instilled in him a strong spiritual foundation and stressed the value of a good education. His late mother, Joan, was a Catholic elementary school teacher on Long Island for more than 20 years. A Catholic education,  Nolan said,  gives students a strong foundation in their faith and also provides personal attention that helps them receive a well-rounded, college prep, educational experience.
 

“I believe it gives students structure and stability, and places healthy expectations on them which will prepare them for adult life in the work force,” Nolan said.
 

When asked about his leadership style, Nolan described it as “cooperative.”
 

“Although I certainly have my opinions on how to run a business, and running a Catholic school is a business,” he added, “I trust the team that supports me and I value their opinion. Fortunately for me, we have an outstanding principal, business office and Advancement/Alumni Relations team. I am excited about the future for Saint Joe’s.”
 

The new president said his top three priorities for the school are to drive enrollment, re-engage the alumni base and increase investing into the endowment fund.
 

“We are all in this together for the betterment of our young men. Our job is to work to develop them both academically and spiritually,” he said.
 

A native of New York, Nolan has spent the last 30 years in Edison. He has an extensive resume of professional business and fundraising experience. He has helped raise more than $350 million for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including JFK Medical Center, Edison; the ALS Association, the Archdiocese of New York, and most recently, Catholic Extension.
 

Nolan and his wife, Kathy, are members of St. Helena Parish, Edison, where he serves on the board of trustees, the school advisory council and the finance committee. He has also served as a board member for the diocese’s Flame of Charity Foundation and the diocesan Catholic Schools Commission.   
 

Looking ahead to the future Nolan said. “I am committed and looking forward to being engaged with our students and helping to provide them with an outstanding college preparatory education guided by the charisms of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. I pledge to assist families as best as I can in making their high school education affordable.
 

“Any family that chooses to send their son here will find it a worthwhile investment in their son’s education and overall development for life.”