Six new principals are leading Catholic schools in Arkansas

Published: August 13, 2011

Dr. Jim Hattabaugh
Trinity Junior High School, Fort Smith

Family: Wife Sara and four children

Hometown: Fayetteville

Education: bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; master’s degree from Western Washington University

Teaching experience: 14 years experience as counselor; five years as coach; 12 years as administrator from assistant principal to superintendent

Favorite saint: Francis of Assisi

Most look forward to: Getting to know the students, teachers and parents.

Educational philosophy: I believe that the education of our children is a collaboration of students, teachers, parents and community. In order to be successful all stakeholders must play an active role and accountability for creating an environment where learning is expected and fun.

Mary Belle Tonos
St. Mary School, Lake Village

Family: Husband Joe, six children and 13 grandchildren

Hometown: Merigold, Miss.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Mountain College

Teaching experience: religion teacher, 10 years at St. Mary School; librarian in Leland, Miss.

Favorite saints: Francis of Assisi and Monica

Educational philosophy: Catholic schools have a mission to develop the whole child as the child of God intended him/her to be through our love, guidance and quest for excellence.

Main benefit of Catholic education: Each child receives a quality education with the added benefits of learning and living the Catholic faith which permeates every facet of our school.

Robert A. Loia
Subiaco Academy, Subiaco

Family: Wife Betty and six children

Hometown: Morris Plains, N.J.

Education: bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Teaching experience: Teacher and coach at Loyola Blakefield School in Baltimore, assistant headmaster and head of the middle school at St. Anselm Abbey School in Washington, D.C.; middle school guidance counselor and teacher at Delbarton School in Morristown, N.J.

Favorite saints: Francis, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Educational philosophy: Every child is gifted in various areas. The educator and educational environment helps the student recognize and develop those gifts.

Rebecca Jansen
St. Paul School, Pocahontas

Family: Husband Dr. Andrew Jansen, three sons and six grandchildren

Education: bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from Alverno College in Milwaukee; master’s degree in education from University of Arkansas Little Rock; Catholic Educational Leadership program through the University of Dallas.

Teaching experience: Teacher at Pocahontas Junior High, Williams Baptist College and Black River Technical College; former principal of St. Paul School

Favorite scripture: John 3:16

Main benefit of Catholic education: By tradition, as educators in a Catholic school, we are committed to teaching Christian values in an academically challenging environment. This model should prepare students to lead Christ-centered and, thus, fulfilling and purposeful lives that contribute to the good of the community.

Marcia Diamond
St. Joseph School, Fayetteville

Family: Husband John and three children

Hometown: Bangor, Maine

Education: bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine at Farmington; master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Maine

Teaching experience: middle school teacher for nine years in public and Catholic school; principal for nine years at All Saints Catholic School in Bangor, Maine; adjunct faculty for eight years at the University of Maine teaching school law

Favorite saints: Therese

Most look forward to: Getting to know the families of our parish and school and enjoying the wonderful Southern hospitality. The warm weather is also a huge plus.

Becky Haney
St. Michael School, West Memphis

Family: Husband Tom, three children and two grandchildren

Hometown: Little Rock

Education: bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; master’s degree in education and postgraduate studies at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro

Teaching experience: Public school teacher for eight years before beginning 10 years of teaching in Catholic schools

Favorite saints: Elizabeth Ann Seton

Educational philosophy: Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential whatever it is.

Main benefit of Catholic education: That we meet the needs of every child spiritually, emotionally and educationally.

Click here for the Back to School 2011 index.