Also read: Sister Patricia McCarron named as new superintendent of archdiocesan schools
Sister Patricia McCarron has long been an unabashed cheerleader for all-girls education.
A product of single-sex schooling at the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore and what is now Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, the School Sister of Notre Dame began her educational ministry in 1984 as a first-year math teacher at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson. She has led the all-girls school for the last two decades as its head of school.
All-girls education can have tremendous benefits for students, said Sister Patricia, who served as associate academic dean at Notre Dame of Maryland University from 1998 to 2005 prior to taking the leadership role at NDP.
“Personally, it really helped shape my life,” said Sister Patricia, a Baltimore native who grew up in Rodgers Forge across the street from her home parish of St. Pius X, where she was enrolled in the parish elementary school. “Research shows that girls who attend single-sex schools feel more empowered and engaged in their communities and are more likely to hold leadership roles.”
After 20 years of educating and empowering girls to become what her religious community calls “women who transform the world,” Sister Patricia is stepping down.
During her tenure, she led two successful capital campaigns, as well as last year’s 150th anniversary initiative, raising $3.7 million to support faculty and staff and middle-income scholarships. She also oversaw the expansion of the campus to include the addition and renovation of academic, fine arts and athletics facilities. With 843 students, NDP is the largest Catholic girls’ school in the Baltimore metro region.
Sister Patricia was a champion of the school’s touted science, technology, engineering, art and math program, noting that girls who attend single-sex schools are six times more likely to consider majoring in STEM than their counterparts who attend co-ed schools.
“I’m going to miss the people at NDP the most,” said Sister Patricia, who holds a master’s degree from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and a doctorate in educational administration and policy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
The longtime educator called NDP an “extraordinary community” where everyone is “totally committed to the mission.”
Chris Kaiser, former math teacher, NDP dean of students and current associate upper-level dean of students, is in her 44th year at NDP and has known Sister Patricia for four decades. Early on, they shared the same classroom and became fast friends.
“Sister Patricia’s impact has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Kaiser said. “Sister will be remembered as a visionary and one who held high expectations for herself and those supporting her and the mission of the school. Deeply faithful, Sister Patricia was often the first one many turned to in times of need as her trust in God and love of family was most important in her life.”
In December 2024, Sister Patricia was awarded The Daily Record’s Icon Award, which celebrates Baltimore leaders over the age of 60 for their professional and civic contributions. Upon leaving NDP, she will be given the title of head emerita – the first time in school history the title has been bestowed on a former head of school.
Although she is leaving NDP, the 62-year-old religious sister is definitely not ready to retire.
“I still have a lot left to do,” said Sister Patricia, who also held administrative positions at Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland and at The Seton Keough High School in Baltimore over the years. “I’m excited to launch a new phase as a Catholic school educator wherever God may bring me to serve. This is the right time to make a move. I feel so confident that NDP is poised for success, and I have loved every minute that I have been here at NDP. I look forward to wherever it is that God calls me.”
She’s indebted to a long list of female mentors, including her mother, Mary Elizabeth McCarron, who died in 2022, and School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Feeley, president emerita of Notre Dame of Maryland University.
“My mother, along with my father, showed me the importance of faith as the center of my life, and they sacrificed to send all four of their children to Catholic schools,” Sister Patricia said.
Campbell Diffendall, an NDP senior, said Sister Patricia embodies the true meaning of sisterhood, from being at every dance concert, to walking the halls when classes are in session.
“She has an immense amount of care, love and respect for every single girl who has walked through the gateway,” Campbell said. “She shares in our joys and triumphs and knows everyone by name.”
Campbell’s twin sister, Abbey Diffendall, an NDP senior, said Sister Patricia makes it a priority to know each student, creating “an atmosphere of support, love, happiness and pride.”
Sister Patricia said she is “so grateful God placed me here at NDP.” Even though she is leaving, she said she will continue to follow the girls and their accomplishments.
“I’m so excited to see the next generation use their talents and gifts, and to see the amazing things they do as they grow and leave us,” she said.
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