The Bellarmine Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Dr. Kelly Goodsell as the school’s next President. “Dr. Goodsell is a collaborative leader, rooted in Jesuit ideals, with a passion for Bellarmine’s mission,” said the Bellarmine Board of Directors Chair, Zeb Madison.
Most recently, Goodsell was the Director of Bellarmine’s Academic Center of Excellence, a role in which she created, executed, and expanded a multifaceted program offering pathways of scholarship and support to all students. Rooted in her lifelong commitment to a focus on holistic education, Goodsell believes, “At Bellarmine, students can choose whatever pathway that gives them purpose and passion; we just want our students to live lives inspired by our Jesuit values.”
As a mother of four, Goodsell brings a different perspective to her new position. “I am aware of the world we live in . . . all the beauty as well as the hard.”
She added, “I know what it means to raise kids and educate our students today.” Through deep relationships, partnerships, and collaborations, Goodsell plans to lead while holding fast to the Bellarmine mission of dedication to academic excellence and development of the whole person.
Goodsell was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon attending Catholic school with her three brothers. While attending PLU, Goodsell was introduced to Tacoma as well as her husband.
Following her undergraduate degree, she spent time on an AmeriCorps assignment on the South Side of Chicago. “The time I spent in Chicago really turned me toward the field of education.” Goodsell returned to Eugene to earn her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Oregon and then her Doctorate from Seattle University in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Systems Design. She worked in various positions with the Puget Sound Educational Service District where she rose to the role of Executive Director.
Prior to working at the Puget Sound Educational Service District, Goodsell spent time with the Tacoma and Puyallup School Districts. “Working with under-served students and families has been an integral part of my life’s work. I also have deep passion and expertise for college readiness and success. At Bellarmine, we work hard to build bridges, so all students are successful in their college years and beyond.”
Founded in 1928 on the site in Tacoma that it still occupies today, Bellarmine is a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition of education.
For Additional Information
Bellarmine Preparatory School
bellarmine.org
BY LYNN CASTLE