Screenshot of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School’s Facebook page.
Lisa Long has been appointed as the new president of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.
Long, who is also a St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church parishioner, will start during the 2026-27 school year, according to a press release sent to the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate. She is coming from Christ the King Catholic School near University Park. She’s currently the principal, but in more than 10 years there, she has also served as a teacher, director of curriculum and assistant principal.
Patrick Magee is the outgoing president at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, and he has been employed with the school since 2004. Magee announced his retirement at the end of the school year in August. He was the first president of the school, according to its website.
Long has also taught at the collegiate/graduate level as an adjunct professor and curriculum designer at the University of Dallas. Her work there has revolved around training future Catholic school leaders. Long’s educational degrees include a Doctor of Education in Catholic School Leadership from Saint Louis University and a Master of Education from Southern Methodist University. She graduated with distinction and honors from both institutions, according to the press release.
“Her leadership is deeply grounded in the mission of Catholic education and informed by research-based best practices that support the formation of the whole child — spiritually, intellectually and socially,” reads the press release. “Throughout her career, Dr. Long has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to Catholic identity, academic excellence and operational vitality. She has successfully led accreditation processes, authored National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence self-studies, strengthened faculty development and school culture, expanded student support systems, and partnered closely with pastors, advisory councils and diocesan leadership. Her work reflects a servant-leader approach rooted in collaboration and trust.”
