The Board of Trustees of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore is delighted to announce the appointment of Walter Reap as the school’s third President. A true educator, he has dedicated his professional life to expanding the possibilities for students’ education. Mr. Reap has been a leader at Cristo Rey for seven years serving first as Principal and then Vice-President of Academic Affairs. His commitment to Ignatian education, to the school’s dynamic Corporate Internship Program, and particularly to the continuing growth of the young people of Baltimore City and their teachers stands out to his colleagues at Cristo Rey. Walter is a graduate of Edinboro University, earned a Masters of Administration from Bowie State, and this summer will complete his doctorate in Educational Leadership. He has been honored with numerous awards including the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership award and the Nancy S. Grasmick Excellence for Minority Achievement Award.
The Presidential Search began last June and attracted candidates nationwide who valued the school’s mission to empower Baltimore young people to discover a trajectory for future success. After countless meetings and conversations with the most qualified candidates, the Search Committee identified Walter as the unanimous first choice. Three common and significant themes were most evident. First, there were numerous references and witnesses to Walter’s integrity as he proudly lives Cristo Rey’s mission. Second, he was described as “a humble leader and thoughtful decision maker.” Third, he is present in the lives of faculty and students. A freshman wrote, “Mr. Reap was actually the person who interviewed me when I applied. I could tell how deeply he cares for everyone.”
“It is an honor to be offered the opportunity to serve Cristo Rey as its next President during this pivotal moment in the school’s distinguished history. In the coming years I will embrace courage and hope as I work with extraordinary faculty and staff to transform lives in the Catholic Jesuit tradition of faith justice.”
-Walter Reap
