Ann Keyl named new principal for St. Mary's School

Ann Keyl named new principal for St. Mary’s School

From the Memphis Diocese

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ann Keyl as the new principal of St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025.

After an extensive search and discussions with several candidates, the search committee comprised of parents from the school board, the President of Memphis Catholic Schools and HR director of the Diocese of Memphis, leaders from St. Mary’s parish, including Father David Graham and Father Dennis Schenkel unanimously agreed to offer this pivotal role to Dr. Ann Keyl.

Dr. Keyl, is an alum of and former teacher at St. Mary’s School. She brings 24 years of experience in education as well as almost 4 years in the private healthcare industry. She holds degrees from The University of Memphis in education with a master’s in counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies. At St. Mary’s School, she was the middle school math teacher from 2009 – 2013. At Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, Ann was the assistant principal and school counselor from 2013-2015 and then President/Principal from 2015-2022. Since 2022, she has designed, implemented and led recruitment for Dynamix Physical Therapy.

Dr. Keyl’s gifts and talents have garnered various awards over the years. Some of these are: Jackson 40 Outstanding Leaders under 40 in February 2015, Principal of the Year by TSSAA district 7 in 2019, Educator of the Year “Christ the Teacher” Diocese of Memphis Catholic Schools in 2019 and Jackson Chamber Leadership Jackson Graduate 2021.

Ann is a board of member of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame and former president of the organization.

“I am honored to join St. Mary’s School and look forward to partnering with staff, students, and families to build on the school’s tradition of excellence- it feels like coming home,” said Keyl who herself and her three sons attended St. Mary’s School. “Together with Father Dennis and the staff, we will continue to create an environment where every student and family thrives in a joyful and loving environment.”

(PHOTO: Ann Keyl)