October 13, 2022 Submitted by Notre Dame Academy
Notre Dame Academy in Hingham announces the appointment of Mary O’Brien Merrigan, PhD, as principal of the all-girls Catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. In her new role, Dr. Merrigan reports to President Annemarie Lynch Kenneally and serves as the primary educational leader of the 450-student school known for its dynamic college preparatory environment, expansive campus ministry program and highly competitive athletic program.
“Dr. Mary O’Brien Merrigan’s appointment is the result of an in-depth, comprehensive search that identified many excellent candidates. We were impressed by her personal warmth, extensive in-classroom and curriculum development experience and record of establishing strong communications among students, faculty, staff and parents and guardians. We welcome her to the Notre Dame Academy community, and look forward to the vision, character and leadership experience she brings to her new role,” said President Kenneally.
As principal, Dr. Merrigan oversees all aspects of the student educational experience, academic programming, guidance and counseling, student life, campus ministry, co-curriculars and programming that contribute to a superior student experience.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to build on Notre Dame Academy’s incredible legacy of educating and empowering the next generation of women leaders,” said Dr. Merrigan. “I look forward to partnering with faculty and staff to give young women the opportunity to develop their extraordinary potential with an education where every aspect of teaching and learning is rooted in the Catholic tradition and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.”
A native and resident of Hull, Dr. Merrigan has served in the Hull Public Schools as a teacher and administrator for more than two decades, most recently as Director of Curriculum & Assessment for Grades K-12.
Dr. Merrigan received her B.A. degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, her M.A. degree in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State College and her doctoral degree in Educational Studies from Lesley University. Dr. Merrigan is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) and holds the Massachusetts Principal Certification and Massachusetts Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent Certification.