By Amabelle Nguyen '25

On Monday, the Notre Dame community gathered in Julie Billiart Hall to meet a very special guest, incoming Head of School Ashley Rae Mathis. This assembly was the first time the entire student body had the opportunity to meet her.

Currently Ms. Mathis serves as the director of admissions and enrollment management at Ursuline Academy in Dallas, Texas. Mathis will be succeeding Mary Beth Riley’s 37 years of school-wide leadership.

The assembly commenced with ASB President Suhani ‘23 introducing Ms. Mathis, and Celeste ‘23 uniting the school in prayer. After a round of “ND, How Do You Feel?” the class council presidents each introduced their class to Ms. Mathis. June ‘26 of the Teal & Pink Stingrays, Megan ‘25 of the Red & Lavender Basilisks, Aly ‘24 of the Blue & Gold Dragons, and Tri-An ‘23 of the Purple & Green Jaguars described what made their class unique and memorable.

Following these introductions, Ms. Mathis spoke to the crowd. She had a beautiful address about gratitude — gratitude for this opportunity, gratitude for Ms. Riley’s amazing example, and gratitude for the future. Notre Dame could not be more excited to welcome Ashley Rae Mathis, the incoming head of school, with open arms. We’re ready for you, Ms. Mathis!