Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School (Mission College Prep) announced earlier this week that after an in-depth recruitment process they have selected Mike Susank to fill the role of Principal.
Most Reverend Richard Garcia, Bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, issued a community letter welcoming and praising Susank for his many gifts and diversity of administrative experience. “Mr. Susank is a faith-filled educator with a true vision for a Catholic High School,” Bishop Garcia elaborated, “Mr. Susank impressed me with his intellect, wit and vision. He is committed to Catholic education and his passion is evident.”
Bishop Garcia noted that Susank’s personality and drive are an excellent fit to succeed J. D. Childs who led the school to a high level of achievement. Following the resignation of Childs last month (he will complete the school year before moving to a new school), leaders from the Diocese of Monterey with Mission College Prep stakeholders began a nation-wide search through various Catholic education channels. The quality of responses exceeded expectations and led to announcing the new principal ahead of the originally anticipated timeline.
“Considering Mike’s energetic personality and dedicated drive to build an MCP experience that contributes to the growth of our students, I feel confident in my belief that Mission’s best days are ahead,” said Childs. “With Mike’s leadership, the Mission family will continue enacting the vision of this great school.”
Susank joins Mission College Prep after twenty years of service at Garces High School in Bakersfield. His extensive time there allowed him to grow his career as an AP European and World History teacher and Coach for Track and Football, then advancing to the position of Dean of Students, and serving finally as Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs. Recognized as a leader by students, faculty and administration, he has clearly demonstrated his readiness to take on the new position of principal and is thrilled to be pursuing that goal in San Luis Obispo.
Susank’s excitement for Mission College Prep is evident, as he observes, “the culture of collegiality and excellence among the staff seemed so genuine.” When asked about his new opportunity he expanded, “I’ve visited a dozen Catholic high school campuses over the past few years and there is an authentic ‘spirit of place’ to the MCP campus; God’s work is happening every day in the hearts of these students. This is my dream job.”
Susank grew up in the LA area, attending Loyola High School. He achieved his BA in History and Literature from Claremont McKenna College and his MA in Educational Leadership from Point Loma Nazarene. At Claremont, Susank was Conference Athlete of the Year in Track and Field for both his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he was the National Track and Field Champion for Men’s Hammer Throw and was named Claremont’s Athlete of the Year. In 2009 he was inducted into the prestigious college’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
The consistent and supportive sentiment from the wide range of stakeholders in the hiring committee, in alignment with observations from teachers, administrators and students from Susank’s visitation day on Mission College Prep’s campus, marks his selection as one the school supports with full confidence. Mike Susank officially begins at Mission College Prep on July 5, 2016.