New Superintendent Chosen to Lead Catholic Schools in Diocese of Dallas

“We are thrilled Dr. Hammel will join the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Dallas,” explained Laura Tornaquindici, Chief of Staff of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. “She brings extensive executive leadership experience, and I am confident she will serve as a genuine thought leader committed to the mission of Catholic schools as the teaching arm of the Church.”

Hammel earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Butler University, and received her Ph.D. in Catholic Education Leadership and Policy from The Catholic University of America.

Described as a creative thinker, a consensus and trust builder as well as results-driven, Hammel currently serves as the Chief of Schools and Superintendent of Schools at the Diocese of Nashville. While there, Hammel attained the highest enrollment in 10 years. She structured, incorporated, and grew a program for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as actively and successfully advocated for Catholic faith-based education in the public arena.

As we continue to experience growth in our Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Hammel says she is honored to lead the Diocese of Dallas schools, “I am excited to join the team of outstanding educators, students, and parents and build relationships and achieve outcomes in an already vibrant and growing Catholic school system.  I believe in the mission of Catholic education and its transformative potential for all in our community.”

About the Catholic Schools Diocese of Dallas:

The first Catholic school, Sacred Heart Cathedral Elementary, opened its doors in the Diocese of Dallas in 1874. Today, there are almost 14,000 students enrolled in the 36 schools in the Diocese of Dallas school system. Within the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, we believe that Catholic Schools need to be excellent across five domains to thrive: Academic Excellence, Catholic Identity, Operational Vitality, Governance, and Facilities.