Dr. Dan Scholz, a 1997 Marquette alumnus, has spent much of his life in spaces of Catholic education. He began his career as a high school teacher before transitioning to higher education, spending two decades at Cardinal Stritch University.
His next chapter is focused on providing ongoing education for those who share his passion. As director of the recently launched Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative at Marquette, Scholz leads an effort to develop and prepare lay leaders in local parishes as well as Catholic school teachers and leaders.
In a Q&A, Scholz discusses his path back to Marquette, his longterm goals for the initiative and how this work aligns with the university’s mission.
Can you describe your career journey?
I earned my Ph.D. in biblical theology at Marquette during the 15 years I taught theology at Pius XI High School. I was then hired to teach at Saint Francis deSales Seminary in 1998 and joined the theology faculty at Cardinal Stritch University in 2004. In my 20 years at Stritch, I occupied numerous academic positions: tenured faculty member, department chair, center director, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, vice president of academic affairs and finally president of the university. My tenure as president was simultaneously the most challenging and rewarding professional role I’ve had. I was forewarned that being a university president can be very lonely at times, and in some ways, it was, but I was blessed with wonderful and supportive colleagues who shared a love for our students and the mission and vision of a Catholic, Franciscan education.
Why were you interested in returning to Marquette?
As an alumnus, I have followed the good work done here and as Marquette approaches its 150-year anniversary, I was drawn to the design and content of the 2031 Strategic Plan. As I considered my next professional steps, I saw how nicely the new Catholic schools and parishes program I was planning aligned with the strategic plan’s foundational theme of Care for the World (Objective 4: Expand strategic partnerships to maximize Marquette’s ability to contribute to the world). This collaboration with Marquette is supported by the leadership in the Milwaukee Archdiocese’s school and parish offices. They view this as an ideal time due to the closing of Stritch and my availability to lead the program.
What is the Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative?
The Catholic Schools and Parishes Initiative is a professional development training and formation (non-degree seeking) program for lay leaders in our Milwaukee-area Catholic schools and parishes.
It will offer a range of training formats, including one-year certificates, workshops, seminars, and one-day conferences. We have identified five key areas of need: Catholic Identity, Catholic School Leadership, Catholic School Effectiveness, Catholic School and Parish Governance, and Parish Lay Leadership.
Why is a program like this needed?
The closing of Cardinal Stritch University and the Saint Clare Center left a significant gap in professional development services for Catholic school and parish employees. Marquette University is uniquely positioned to fill this void, increasing our visibility and impact within the Catholic community of Milwaukee. This initiative will not only benefit the local Catholic community but also enhance Marquette’s admissions prospects and opportunities for grant funding from organizations such as the Lilly Endowment.
What’s your greatest hope for the program?
I hope to accomplish three main goals:
- Help meet the needs for professional development of our Catholic schools’ administrators and teachers and our Catholic parishes’ lay leaders and parishioners.
- To generate revenue for Marquette and positively impact admissions to both undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Develop this initiative into a center at Marquette University.
How will this initiative integrate with the Marquette community?
By aligning with Marquette’s Office of Mission and Ministry, and leveraging expertise in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, this program will help strengthen Marquette’s connection to the Catholic community and foster broader support from donors and foundations.
Any fun facts you’d like to share about yourself?
I grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin, and come from a large family (five siblings) including a twin sister who is 15 minutes older than me. Since 2018, I have led pilgrimages to Greece, Turkey, Israel and Rome. I also enjoy playing card games like cribbage and poker and two of my current favorite authors are historian Tom Holland and New Testament scholar Tom Wright.
