Sister Mary Angela Shaughnessy, a senior distinguished fellow in Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Catholic Education and a nationally recognized expert on legal issues affecting Catholic schools, was honored on Monday, Oct. 2, by the National Catholic Educational Association.
“We are honored to see the National Catholic Educational Association recognizing Sister Angie,” said Shane P. Martin, dean and professor of the School of Education. “Through her leadership, teaching and mentoring, she has prepared countless Catholic school teachers and administrators for successful careers. She is an integral part of our Center for Catholic Education.”
Shaughnessy, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth and a lawyer, received the 2017 NCEA Seton’s President’s Award at a gala fundraiser in Washington, D.C. The honor is presented annually to individuals whose support and service impacts Catholic education and the well being of the nation’s youth. It is named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who dedicated her life to teaching.
Shaughnessy teaches in LMU’s Catholic School Leadership Academy, integrating faith and professional practice relevant to future Catholic school leaders. She also provides education law consulting services at LMU, and since its founding in 2003, directs the annual Education Law Symposium co-sponsored by LMU SOE Center for Catholic Education and NCEA in Louisville, Kentucky. There, she presents and facilitates discussions and expert lectures about legal issues facing Catholic educators such as negligence, cyber-bullying, discipline, immigration and more.
Shaughnessy has taught at all levels of Catholic education – from elementary through graduate school – and served as general legal counsel and dean of the Graduate School at St. Catharine College in Kentucky. From 1986-2007 she served Spalding University in Louisville in various capacities, including vice-president for mission, legal counsel and professor of education. She served eight years early in her career as principal of a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Boston.
She holds a Ph.D. in educational administration and supervision from Boston College, a juris doctorate and master’s degree in English from the University of Louisville, and a master’s degree in educational administration and bachelor’s degree in English from Spalding University in Louisville.
