Padua Academy's First President
A Historic Moment: Shaping Our Future
Padua Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Patricia Scott as the school's first President, effective August 10, 2026.
The appointment of Padua's first President marks a significant milestone in the school's history and the introduction of the President-Principal leadership model, designed to strengthen Padua's long-term vitality and mission. As President, Dr. Scott will serve as the school's chief executive, leading strategic planning, financial stewardship, advancement efforts, and relationships with alumnae, donors, and the broader community.
As Padua looks to the future, this leadership structure ensures an even greater focus on academic excellence, institutional growth, and the continued success of our students for generations to come.
We invite you to learn more about Dr. Patricia Scott and join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter in Padua Academy's history.
Meet Our First President
Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Gioffre Scott is honored to serve as the first President of Padua Academy, bringing more than 35 years of experience in Catholic education and a lifelong commitment to forming young people in faith, scholarship, leadership, and service.
A lifelong Delawarean, Tricia's roots in Catholic education run deep. She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School and graduated from Archmere Academy before earning her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Delaware. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, coach, mentor, principal, president, board member, and educational leader, always guided by the belief that Catholic schools have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
Most recently, Tricia served as President of Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where she led the school's strategic vision, institutional advancement, enrollment, finance, and operations. During her tenure, she strengthened philanthropic support, expanded community engagement, improved enrollment, and led transformational campus projects, including the Connelly Wellness Center, a new multipurpose turf field, and significant renovations to academic and athletic spaces.
Earlier, she served for more than a decade as Principal of Saint Edmond's Academy in Wilmington, where she was recognized for fostering academic excellence, innovation, and a vibrant school community. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Salesianum School and has remained actively involved in educational leadership throughout the region.
A Message From Our New President
Joining Padua Academy is especially meaningful to me. As the proud parent of Padua alumna Haley Scott, Class of 2019, I have experienced firsthand the extraordinary impact a Padua education has on young women and their families. I have long admired the school's unwavering commitment to developing women of faith, compassion, confidence, and purpose, and I am excited to become part of this remarkable community.
I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff, students, alumnae, parents, and benefactors who make Padua so special. Together, we will honor the school's rich tradition while leading it confidently into the future.
Guided by faith, collaboration, and servant leadership, I am committed to ensuring that every Padua student is empowered to discover her God-given gifts and become a leader who makes a meaningful difference in the Church and the world.
Patricia Scott, Ed. D.
From Our Board Chair
"Dr. Scott's passion for Catholic education and her dedication to forming young women as leaders deeply resonate with the culture and values of Padua Academy. She is a visionary leader with a commitment to relationship-building, collaboration, and Padua's mission. Her experience and personal connection to our school community make her an excellent choice to guide Padua into our next chapter and build upon our growing momentum."
Jennifer A. Cuva ’99, Board of Trustees Chair
Jennifer A. Cuva ’99, Board of Trustees Chair
Community Welcome Event Information
As Dr. Scott’s start date approaches, this page will be updated with opportunities for students, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends of Padua to welcome and get to know her. Check back for information about meet-and-greet events, receptions, back-to-school gatherings, and other opportunities to celebrate this exciting new chapter in Padua Academy’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When does the new president begin?
The position begins August 10, 2026 so that the President will join the Padua community at the start of the school year, including welcoming faculty and staff during Professional Development and students on the first day of school. -
What is the role of the president?
The President serves as Padua Academy’s chief executive, providing strategic leadership and guiding the school’s long-term vision and sustainability.Key responsibilities include overseeing strategic planning, finances, advancement efforts, admissions, fundraising, alumnae engagement, and community relations. The President also represents Padua Academy within the broader community and works to advance the school’s mission and future growth.This leadership model reflects best practices in Catholic secondary education and strengthens Padua’s ability to serve students today while planning for the future. -
What will happen during the leadership transition?
Padua Academy is committed to a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition. The Board of Trustees, school administration, and incoming President will work together to ensure continuity in operations, uphold Padua’s mission and values, and support the school’s continued success.Students, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends of Padua can expect clear communication and opportunities to welcome and engage with the new President in the months ahead. -
How will this impact school operations?
Padua Academy’s President-Principal leadership model strengthens both operational and academic leadership while supporting the school’s long-term future.The President will lead strategic planning, finances, advancement, and external relationships, while the Principal will continue overseeing academics, faculty, and student life. This structure enhances support for Padua’s mission and long-term sustainability without changing the day-to-day experience for students.
Padua Academy's Inaugural President
A historic step forward as Padua strengthens its leadership and prepares for the future.
Search Process Reflection
The selection of Padua Academy’s first President followed a thoughtful and comprehensive search process led by the Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee.
Guided by Padua’s mission and values, the process included careful discernment, collaboration, and input from key stakeholders to identify a leader who will strengthen the school’s future while honoring its Catholic identity and tradition of excellence.
We are grateful to the members of the search committee for their dedication and to the entire Padua community for its support throughout this important process.
Spirituality. Scholarship. Service. Sisterhood.
Rooted in faith, transformed through learning, strengthened by community, prepared to lead and serve.