LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s Ryken High School has announced the appointment of Thomas R. Campbell as its next principal, beginning in July 2025. A seasoned leader in Catholic education, Campbell brings over 25 years of experience in school administration and teaching, with a focus on academic excellence, faith formation, and student success.
“As a graduate of and current educator in a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School, I am most excited to learn more about how St. Mary’s Ryken lives out the values and charism of the Xaverian Brothers,” Campbell said. “During my visit to campus, I met students, faculty, and staff, and it was evident how deeply committed they are to the school’s mission. It is both humbling and exciting to serve this community as principal.”
Campbell joins St. Mary’s Ryken from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, where he has served as principal since 2013. During his tenure, he spearheaded several initiatives, including implementing a 1:1 iPad program, expanding international student programs, and enhancing the STEM curriculum. He also revamped the teacher evaluation process and strengthened college counseling services.
Dr. Rick Wood, president of St. Mary’s Ryken, praised Campbell’s leadership and alignment with the school’s mission.
“We are blessed to welcome Tom Campbell as our next principal,” Wood said. “As a fellow Xaverian educator, Tom embodies our commitment to academic excellence, faith, and community engagement. His enthusiasm and vision will undoubtedly inspire our students, faculty, and school community as we move forward.”
Beyond academics, Campbell has focused on student well-being, redesigning the school schedule, launching an advisory program, and collaborating with Campus Ministry on service initiatives. He also played a key role in pandemic response planning and international student travel programs.
Before his time at Good Counsel, Campbell served as Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, where he contributed to curriculum development, principal mentorship, and marketing initiatives for Catholic schools. His background includes extensive experience in admissions and faculty development.
Looking ahead to his new role, Campbell emphasized the importance of relationship-building and understanding the school’s culture.
“My main priority in my first year is to get to know as many people as possible and to learn about the history and traditions that make St. Mary’s Ryken such a special place,” he said. “Relationships are built through time and presence, so I plan to be in classrooms, around campus, and at school events to engage with students, faculty, staff, and families.”
Campbell is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Instructional Leadership at Notre Dame of Maryland University. He holds a Master of Arts in Historical Studies from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Science in History/Secondary Education from Towson State University.
He and his wife, Amy, a fellow Good Counsel graduate, are looking forward to moving to the area.
“We’ve always talked about living closer to the water, and the opportunity to be near the Chesapeake Bay in such a close-knit community is something we’re excited about,” he said.
Campbell, who has three children and one grandchild, will officially assume his new position in July 2025.
St. Mary’s Ryken welcomes him to the community and looks forward to his leadership in the coming years.
