Marmion names Quaid new headmaster

James Quaid has been synonymous with Catholic education from his days as a student at Benedictine University, to his 16 years as Fenwick High School principal, to his most recent post as the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

He will bring those impressive credentials to his new role as headmaster of Marmion Academy, effective July 1.

Marmion announced Tuesday that Quaid, a resident of Westchester, will fill the position when current Headmaster John Milroy leaves to serve as Head of School at Villa Academy in Seattle, Wash.

In making the announcement, Marmion president Abbot John Brahill pointed to Quaid’s vast experience as a major benefit for the academy’s future.

“Dr. Quaid is a practicing Catholic and a professional educator in the best sense, totally committed to the mission of Catholic education as well as to the mission of Marmion Academy,” Brahill said. “He combines the qualities of being an educator of vision as well as being able to deal with the day-to-day realities of running a school.”

Quaid has also been involved in various educational associations and boards, being a member of the Illinois High School Association Board, the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Education Task Force, and on the advisory boards at Loyola, DePaul and St. Xavier universities.

In addition to his years as principal at Fenwick in Oak Park, he also served five years as a history instructor, assistant dean, dean of students and an associate principal. Before his time at Fenwick, Quaid was a history teacher and dean of students at Lake Forest Academy from 1982 to 1988.

Quaid could not be reached Tuesday at the Archdiocese of Chicago, but in a news release from Marmion he spoke of his fondness for the academy and its people.

“I am looking forward to this tremendous opportunity,” Quaid said. “Marmion Academy’s commitment to providing an outstanding and balanced education is well known.

“I have visited the school a number of times, including state accreditation visits, and have always been impressed with how well this community carries out its mission,” Quaid added. “I am especially excited about working with the Benedictines because I respect and admire their traditions and am inspired by the tremendous support they have for the school.”