Padua Names First President
Dr. Patricia Scott, President of Padua Academy
Padua Academy Announces Appointment of Dr. Patricia Scott as Inaugural President
Wilmington, DE – July 8, 2026 – Padua Academy is proud to announce a historic milestone in the school’s history with the appointment of Dr. Patricia Scott as its inaugural President, effective August 10, 2026.
The announcement was made by the Board of Trustees of Padua Academy and St. Anthony of Padua Parish following a comprehensive national search process.
“Today, we are honored to share historic news for Padua Academy,” said Jennifer A. Cuva ’99, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Fr. Vincent Kumar, O.S.F.S., Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in their letter announcing the appointment to their community. “Dr. Scott brings a deep commitment to Catholic education, a collaborative leadership style rooted in service, and a clear vision for advancing Padua Academy’s mission while strengthening its future.”
Dr. Scott most recently served as President of Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where she led strategic visioning, institutional advancement, enrollment growth, financial stewardship, and operational leadership. Her tenure included strengthening philanthropic support, expanding community engagement, improving enrollment, and overseeing transformational campus projects.
Earlier in her career, she served for more than a decade as Principal of Saint Edmond’s Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was recognized for fostering academic excellence, innovation, and a vibrant school community. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Salesianum School and has remained actively engaged in Catholic education leadership throughout the region.
As Padua Academy continues to build upon its strong foundation, the creation of the Office of the President marks an important evolution in the school’s leadership structure. The President-Principal model is designed to strengthen both academic and operational leadership, ensuring continued excellence and sustainability for generations of students.
Throughout the search process, Dr. Scott was recognized for her deep commitment to Catholic education. She demonstrated strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and a strong understanding of Padua’s mission, values, and identity. She also brings a personal connection to the school as the proud parent of a Padua alumna and a deep appreciation for the school’s motto, Suaviter sed Fortiter.
“Rooted in the Franciscan and Salesian traditions, Padua has remained steadfast in its purpose while preparing generations of young women to lead and serve,” the Board added. “We are confident that Dr. Scott will build upon this legacy and help carry Padua’s mission forward with faith, vision, and purpose.”
Dr. Scott brings more than 35 years of experience in Catholic education, including previous leadership roles as teacher, principal, and president. A lifelong Delawarean, she is a graduate of Archmere Academy and the University of Delaware, where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
“I am honored to serve as Padua Academy’s first President,” said Dr. Scott. “As a proud parent of a Padua alumna, daughter Haley, Class of 2019, I have experienced firsthand the extraordinary impact a Padua education has on young women and their families. I have long admired the school's unwavering commitment to developing women of faith, compassion, confidence, and purpose.”
I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff, students, families, and benefactors who make this community so special, and to building upon Padua’s strong tradition while guiding it confidently into the future.”
Padua Academy welcomes Dr. Scott as the school’s first President and enters this exciting new chapter with confidence in the continued strength of its mission and legacy.
Tricia and her husband, Brian, are proud parents of Haley ‘19 and Drew and reside in Wilmington, Delaware.
Learn more about our First President on our dedicated website page:
https://www.paduaacademy.org/padua-academys-first-president
About Padua Academy
Padua Academy is a Catholic, all-girls college preparatory high school located in Wilmington, Delaware. Rooted in the Catholic faith, Padua empowers young women to grow in faith, scholarship, leadership, and service.
Media Contact
Stephanie Casey, Director of Communications