Falcons alum saw value in his Catholic education, wants to share that experience with more families in archdiocesan leadership role

DEARBORN — The Archdiocese of Detroit welcomed a new associate superintendent earlier this month, and he’s a familiar face for many involved in local Catholic education.

Former Divine Child High School principal Eric Haley became the new associate superintendent for the archdiocese’s Central and South regions — comprising much of Wayne and Monroe counties — Aug. 1, succeeding outgoing Vincent de Paul Schmidt, who became superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., in May.

Haley, an alumnus of Divine Child who also served as his alma mater’s principal for the past five years, joins a team that includes archdiocesan superintendent Kevin Kijewski, J.D., C.P.A.; Laura Knaus, associate superintendent for the archdiocese’s Northeast and Northwest regions; May Bluestein, Ph.D., assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment; Jill Haines, assistant superintendent for school finance and government programs; and Vic Michaels, assistant superintendent for student services and athletics. 

As schools prepare to return to face-to-face learning after a semester of distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic, Haley steps into his new role facing unprecedented and challenging times for local Catholic schools.

“Obviously, we want to make sure we are following safety protocols from the state and the Archdiocese of Detroit’s own task force,” said Haley, who attended Sacred Heart School in Dearborn for K-8 before attending Divine Child High School. “We’re making sure principals know what’s available to them, answering questions about distance learning options as well. We have amazing leaders in our schools, faculty and staff, and I know we’ll do a great job in educating our families.”

Haley understands the sacrifices his parents made to send him and his older sister through Catholic school, and wants to protect that investment in other families. 

“Parents really want to see schools that follow through on their mission statement,” Haley said. “If we bring out the best in our students and do the things we promise parents we will do, we will attract families. It’s a huge commitment to send your children to Catholic school.”

From dwindling enrollment to financial restrictions in a state that doesn't allow vouchers for faith-based schools, Haley said local Catholic schools have their work cut out for them.

However, Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron’s insistence on making Catholic schools accessible, vibrant centers for creating disciples inspires Haley and others charged with promoting Catholic education that’s high quality and faith-based.

“We have many challenges that are external, and we need to figure out how to embrace those challenges,” Haley said. “I want to make sure Catholic schools are here for a long time to come. I’m excited about joining this team.”

As principal at Divine Child, Haley said, he invested time and resources to develop faculty and staff who would continue to the school's quality education long after he was gone. 

It’s a similar strategy he and the Catholic schools leadership team hope to employ as they offer resources, aid and advice to the area’s 86 Catholic schools.

After graduating from Divine Child, Haley earned a bachelor’s of business administration in finance from Eastern Michigan University, and later, a master of science in educational leadership from Madonna University. 

Before being named principal of Divine Child in 2015, Haley served as a teacher and later assistant principal of Bishop Foley High School in Madison Heights. He moved on to become assistant principal, and then principal, of Divine Child.

Haley and his wife, Nicole, have two sons: Oliver, 5, and Will, 2.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to work with our pastors and principals to show what a Catholic education can do for a child, especially in these times,” Haley said. “Whether it’s in-person or a distance-learning experience, parents will see that we fulfill our promises. God has a plan for what’s going on, and we have to navigate and trust His plan.”