The Diocese of Manchester chose Fr. John R. Fortin, O.S.B. to become its new superintendent of schools last week, as one of a series of changes coming to the college throughout the last year.
While still a candidate in the selection process for the next president of the college, Fr. John was approached by the diocese and asked if he had any interest in applying for the position. Because he was unsure where the selection process would take him, he declined the opportunity to apply.
After the search committee for college president decided Fr. John would not proceed further through the selection process, he was free to apply for the superintendent’s position, with Abbot Mark Cooper’s permission.
“I didn’t know where the Diocese was in the process at the time,” Fr. John said, “they had already begun, but I was still allowed to apply.”
Fr. John went through a process of three interviews last week before being accepted for the position.
The Diocese of Manchester serves the entire state of New Hampshire. As superintendent, Fr. John will serve a supervisory role over about 40 schools in the diocese, working with principals, faculty, and boards from all of the schools.
“I hope to visit all of the schools in the diocese,” Fr. John said.
Fr. John looks forward to his role in the diocese, and is excited to be able to work to strengthen and enhance the Catholic schools in the state.
The schools in the diocese are doing well so far, but Fr. John would like to eventually see an increase in demand for Catholic schools, potentially leading to the building of more schools. There are very few schools served by the diocese in the North Country, a situation he would like to someday see changed.
Because the superintendent’s position is a full-time job, Fr. John will not be teaching classes at the college during his term.
“It will certainly be a change for me, having spent so much time teaching philosophy at the college,” he said.
Fr. John is looking forward to the challenge of the new position.
Fr. John Fortin is a professor of philosophy at the college, and holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy. He also founded the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies.
Fr. John will start working for the diocese on June 3, the beginning of a three-year term as superintendent.