New school year means new president at Walsh Jesuit

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
The Rev. Christopher Scott Fronk is greeted by Tom Haag, chairman of the Walsh Jesuit board of directors. Fronk will become the 12th president of Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls in July.
The Rev. Christopher Scott Fronk is greeted by Tom Haag, chairman of the Walsh Jesuit board of directors. Fronk will become the 12th president of Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls in July.

The 2023-24 school year will see a new figure in the president's office at Walsh Jesuit High School.

The Rev. Christopher Scott Fronk, Society of Jesus, will become the 12th president at the Catholic high school starting July 1, replacing Karl Ertle, who will retire at the end of June after 13 years at the school.

"I am delighted to mission Father Fronk as the next president of Walsh Jesuit," said the Very Rev. Karl Kiser, Society of Jesus, Provincial of the Midwest Jesuits. "Chris will bring his strong faith and leadership experience to continue Walsh Jesuit's legacy of forming women and men inspired by Jesus' love to live lives of service as women and men for others.”

Tom Haag, chairman of the Walsh Jesuit board of directors, said the school and board were looking forward to more growth in line with Walsh Jesuit's long-term goals.

"Father Fronk will provide strong leadership, utilize his extensive education and experience to communicate effectively and build trusting relationships across our community in fulfillment of our Jesuit mission," Haag said.

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Fronk, who has 37 years of education and experience in working with Ignatian Spirituality, currently serves as Walsh Jesuit’s vice president for mission and identity. Prior to Walsh Jesuit, Fronk was the president of Jesuit High School in New Orleans for three years. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a command chaplain assigned to Helmand province, Afghanistan, and onboard the USS George H.W. Bush along with other command chaplain assignments.

Fronk's education includes a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Louis University, a master's in theology from The University of London, a master's in religious education from Duquesne University, and an M.M.S from the Marine Corps University. Fronk was ordained to the priesthood in 1997.

“My goal is to prepare young people from diverse backgrounds for the future that awaits them and the challenges that will be part of that journey,” said Fronk. “I believe that no system prepares students better than Jesuit secondary schools where academics are emphasized, along with Ignatian spirituality, service to the community, and the richness of the Catholic faith."

Walsh Jesuit High School is at 4500 Wyoga Lake Road in Cuyahoga Falls. For details, call 330-929-4205 or visit www.walshjesuit.org online.

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Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Walsh Jesuit will have a new leader in the new school year