Saint Joseph Academy Welcomes Mark Kalpakgian as New President

April 4, 2025

Saint Joseph Academy is honored to welcome Mark Kalpakgian as its new President, effective May 5, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in our 30-year legacy of forming students in faith, virtue, and academic excellence. Following a rigorous search, the Board of Directors selected Mark for his proven leadership in education, experience in business, and, most importantly, unwavering dedication to Catholic values—a perfect alignment with our mission to inspire students to know, love, and serve God.


Professional Background

Most recently serving as Chief Operating and Development Officer at The Classical Academies since 2013, Mark successfully operated an $80 million annual budget across seven campuses serving 5,500 students and 600+ employees. During his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding the school's footprint and raising critical funds to support institutional growth and co-curricular programs.


Leadership and Impact

Throughout his 18-year career in education, Mark has held diverse roles, including:

  • Academic Leadership: Served in pivotal roles including Dean of Students, International Director of Student Services, Director of Leadership Institute, and curriculum developer.
  • Teaching Experience: Instructed at high school and university levels, including specialized courses in Catholic studies.
  • Community Engagement: Led initiatives like National Philanthropy Day, Charter Stars, and Super STEM Saturday, attracting over 20,000 participants.
  • Nonprofit Leadership: Chaired the San Diego North Economic Development Council and served on multiple professional boards.


His professional journey began in management consulting for a Fortune 500 company before transitioning to education, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to institutional growth, student formation, and community impact.


Educational Background and Personal Commitment

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and French from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and a Master’s in Humanities with concentrations in Literature and Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas. As a convert to the Catholic faith, Mark is deeply committed to the transformative power of Catholic education in forming students intellectually and spiritually. A devoted family man, Mark and his wife Niki are parents to seven children, two of whom currently attend Franciscan University. The couple is thrilled that four of their children will join the Saint Joseph Academy community this fall, reflecting their personal investment in the school’s mission and future.


Leadership Vision

In accepting the role, Mark shared his vision: “I am deeply honored to serve as the next President of Saint Joseph Academy. The school’s unwavering commitment to a classical education rooted in Catholic identity resonates profoundly with me. I look forward to working with our faculty, families, and students to enhance academic excellence, deepen spiritual formation, and expand opportunities for our community—building on 30 years of tradition while embracing a future of innovation and growth"


Transition and Appreciation

The school extends heartfelt gratitude to Interim Executive Director Don Sando for his steadfast leadership during this transitional period. Mark will begin collaborating with Don on Monday, May 5th, to ensure a seamless transition as we prepare for the upcoming school year.



Community Receptions

We invite the Saint Joseph Academy community to join us in welcoming Mark and his wife, Niki at a special reception on Wednesday, April 9th at 6 p.m. in the school courtyard. Together, let’s embark on this new chapter with faith, hope, and trust in the Lord! We will be holding a second reception on May 8th at 6 p.m. in the school courtyard. 

Endorsements

“Mark Kalpakgian is an outstanding choice to lead St. Joseph Academy. He is one of the finest men I’ve had the privilege to work with, and I’m incredibly proud to call him an alumnus of Franciscan University. Mark possesses the rare combination of visionary leadership and the practical ability to execute that vision. He is an inspiring disciple who loves the Church deeply, and I have no doubt he will excel in forming both the hearts and minds of the students, faculty, and staff at St. Joseph’s Academy.”

 

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR

President of Franciscan University of Steubenville

“Mark Kalpakgian is an exceptional talent. I had the good fortune of working with him for more than a decade and his passion, dedication, and love for educational excellence was a driving force behind his outstanding performance on my team. I know that I am a better leader having spent time with him, and his influence for good will greatly benefit the community of St. Joseph Academy.”

 

Cameron Curry

CEO Emeritus

The Classical Academies

“When I learned that Mark was applying for the position I was overjoyed. I had met Mark at the home of Todd and Trisha Aglialoro and instantly found him to be both a first-rate mind and great company. I was not surprised. I had been an admirer of his father, Mitchell, for decades. I read him regularly in the New Oxford Review. Mitchell was, as my dear friend William Fahey described him, “in word and in person a consummate man of letters.” Mitchell Kalpakgian was an expert in Fielding and Shakespeare and countless other authors, but I recommend especially to all SJA parents a book he wrote nearer the end of his life, The Lost Arts of Modern Civilization.

 

If you read this book, you will benefit from a good bit of practical counsel on replacing domestic frenzy and chaos through the restoration and cultivation of grace and dignity to family life. You will also get a sense of the lifelong formation of our new president. Mark has quite a pedigree, and I am very happy to tell you the apple has not fallen far from the tree. 

 

St. Joseph Academy is very fortunate to have Mark. He is, in a word, a unicorn. He is possessed of a real command of the Western Canon, but he is also richly blessed with a talent for administration. It’s rare to find both these charisms in the same man. (And if you don’t think administration is a charism, you need to reread St. Paul.)

 

In Mark we have a leader whose love of children is manifest. He will serve as both a great mentor for our faculty and an inspiring example for our parents. Mark will represent St. Joseph’s to the world with energy and courage, gravity and affability.

 

Above all, Mark is a man of obvious interior life. His love of Jesus Christ is the central motive for all he does. 

 

Great things are coming for St. Joseph’s. Laetare!

 

With every good wish, I am Faithfully yours in Christ,”

Christopher Check

SJA Board of Directors member