WHEELING, W.Va.—Julie Shively will become principal of Central Catholic High School in Wheeling July 1. A nationally distinguished teacher and program administrator from Atlanta, Shively takes over at CCHS after 40 years of service by Dr. Joseph Viglietta, who is retiring as principal at the end of this academic year.
In addition to her Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy, Shively earned a master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University, an Education Specialist’s degree from Brenau University, and will complete her master’s degree in educational leadership from Georgia Southern University in May. Shively is a highly qualified, gifted certified, math and science educator. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher, which honors only 2 percent of all teachers nationwide with this distinction.
After an exemplary career as an officer and pilot, Shively continues to serve the nation in the Air Force Reserve.
“Our Catholic high school principals play a prominent role in the formation of our youth, making a principal one of the most important leadership positions in the church,” said Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of Wheeling-Charleston. “That is why I am so pleased that Julie Shively will be joining us as principal of Wheeling Central."
“Her impressive record as an educator and leader is exactly what will continue and enhance Central’s tradition as a leading school in this region, and I am confident that Shively will serve Central, our diocese and our community well,” he said.
In 2008-09, Shively was one of five teachers selected from all 50 states and territories to serve as a fellow at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington. In this capacity she worked with policymakers and program directors to highlight teachers’ roles in education and the need to actively involve teachers with federal and state education policy. She represented the Department of Education in addressing teacher leadership and professional learning, particularly in math and science, at national and international meetings such as the U.S.-China Math Experts meeting, K-12 Technology in Education Summit, National Math Advisory Panel Forum, National Conference on Aviation and Space Education and Integrating 21st Century Skills in Science Forum. Shively appeared twice on PBS to discuss educational challenges and issues.
"To have been chosen to lead Central Catholic High School with its reputation of academic excellence, athletic prowess and strong faith-based core values is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Shively said. “My husband and I look forward to calling Wheeling, West Virginia, home."
An accomplished author of numerous children’s and history books, Shively has frequently contributed to educational, military and historical publications. Shively authored the “Ideals Guide to Civil War Sites” in 1999, which was named the United States Park Service’s Book of the Year and later reprinted in 2011. She is a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi national education honor societies, served as a member of Georgia’s U.S. Air Force Academy Nominating Committee, was honored as the Air Force Reserve’s Historian of the Year in 2007 and has been the recipient of numerous individual and unit military awards. As a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Shively lettered in varsity soccer and water polo. She also earned the silver wings of a jump-qualified parachutist. Additionally Shively is a commercially-rated pilot.
As an Air Force officer, Shively was one of 276 female pilots and flew the C-141 Starlifter. She was handpicked to fly sensitive Department of State missions around the globe, including into the former Soviet Union to support the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. She was the officer in charge of her division during Operation Desert Storm and deployed in support of relief operations in Somalia. At Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, Shively supervised airlift requirements for presidential, vice presidential and Department of State missions.
Bransfield thanked his search committee as well as select faculty of CCHS who played a key role in this nationwide search.
Central Catholic High School has been educating young men and women in Wheeling since 1865. Central is one of the most respected high schools in the tri-state area for what is certainly its most important contribution – the highly motivated, spiritually grounded, goal-oriented young men and women who are graduated from the school each year. With an exceptional, faith-based academic program for grades 9-12, Central boasts a 21st Century Learning Environment supported by the latest technology and laboratory facilities. Dedicated teachers, staff and administrators serve a gifted student body, preparing them for the next step in their academic and career lives.
Wheeling Central offers a rigorous course curriculum that challenges and motivates students. Every student, from a first day freshman to a last day senior, takes a full schedule of classes each year. All students – no exceptions – take semester and final comprehensive examinations.