William Latimer, Ph.D. named next Head of School

The Diocese of Fall River and St. John Paul II School (JPII), are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William Latimer as the next Head of School. Dr. Latimer will officially assume the role on March 10th, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Catholic education and mission-driven leadership.

After an extensive search process led by Michael Furey from Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, over 20 applicants nationwide competed for this position. Five well-qualified semifinalists were advanced to a dedicated and engaged nine-person search committee including stakeholders from JPII’s advisory board, faculty, staff, and current parents, as well as the diocesan Chancery and Catholic Schools Office. After careful consideration, the committee invited all five candidates to their first-round interview process. From those multi-day activities, the search committee advanced three candidates to the second round for further conversation and evaluation. The search committee, chaired by diocesan Assistant Superintendent Vin Mancuso, then unanimously identified Dr. Latimer as its top candidate.

Dr. Latimer’s professional journey exemplifies dedication to Catholic education. Over the course of his career, he has served in significant executive leadership roles at prominent Catholic institutions, including Chestnut Hill College (President), The College of New Rochelle (President), and Mercy College (VP). His leadership at these institutions has been characterized by academic excellence, strategic enrollment growth, innovative partnerships, and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education.

As the next Head of School, Dr. Latimer will focus on ensuring JPII thrives in its mission to welcome students and families from diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory, Catholic education. He has identified five key areas that will guide his vision for the future of JPII:

1. Championing and deepening the Catholic mission of the school.

2. Strengthening enrollment and student success.

3. Developing meaningful partnerships to enhance resources and opportunities.

4. Implementing a comprehensive approach to advancement and development.

5. Ensuring stability and excellence in leadership.

As a Dennis, MA homeowner for 22 years, Dr. Latimer and his wife, Dr. Maria Khan, decided in 2023 to make Cape Cod their permanent home, saying, “I can think of no better place than Cape Cod for Maria and me to raise our three school-aged daughters.” For Dr. Latimer, the opportunity to embrace and advance the mission of St. John Paul II School resonates deeply with his personal and professional experiences. The work of integrating faith, intellectual rigor, and social-emotional development aligns with his passion for fostering transformative educational opportunities that prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Latimer and look forward to his leadership in guiding St. John Paul II School toward continued success. With his extensive experience and dedication, we are confident he will be an invaluable addition to our community. As we move forward with this leadership transition, John Redding will remain actively involved throughout the remainder of the school year.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. William Latimer as the next Head of School at St. John Paul II School. We look forward to officially welcoming the Latimer family into our vibrant and faith-filled community over the coming weeks as he transitions into his new role.