Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Dr. Robert Mullen, who has led Trinity High School since 2000, will step down as its president in June 2025. He plans to remain at the school as the new vice president for mission, focusing on fundraising efforts, according to a press release from the school.

“Rob has dedicated his entire professional life to Trinity,” Joe Landenwich, chair of the Trinity High School Foundation Board, said in the release. “He has kept our mission in the forefront with steady, purposeful and forward-thinking leadership. And for that, we are forever grateful.”

The Catholic school, which serves over 1,250 students, has initiated a search for its third president and expects to conclude it by early 2025. Mullen graduated from Trinity in 1977 and returned five years later to serve in various teaching and administrative roles over the past 42 years. He is the school's fifth leader and its second president since the position was created in 1994.

Reflecting on his tenure at Trinity, Mullen stated: “I am most proud of the way we live the charge given us by Archbishop (John A.) Floersh in 1953. That is, to enroll the broadest possible range of students, those with a wide array of academic strengths and challenges while helping each of them find success. In our thinking, this is the absolute best reflection of what it means to be a Catholic school.”

Mike Paradis, chair of the Trinity School Board, praised Mullen’s service: “Under Rob’s tenure, Trinity is on the strongest footing possible academically, financially and operationally. That is perhaps the most important point as we discuss Rob’s time as president and as we begin the transition.”

Paradis highlighted several initiatives under Mullen's leadership:

- The house system divides students into smaller communities named after saints and notable Catholics such as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Thomas Merton.

- In 2015, a mandatory drug and alcohol testing policy was instituted for students. Within two years of implementation, positive test rates decreased from 4% to 3%.

At that time, Mullen explained that this program was not a response to a crisis but rather an extension of their mission to form "men of faith and men of character."

Paradis noted that both boards have incorporated succession planning into their long-term strategies: “Rob has played a role in our preparation,” he said. “He wanted to ensure that upon his decision to step down the school was on the strongest footing possible academically, financially and operationally.”

The search committee includes members from both boards who will seek input from various stakeholders about essential qualities for Mullen's successor.

“Fortunately," Paradis added, "with our good planning for this change in leadership, we can conduct a thorough and successful search. We all agree that we seek a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who can continue to drive the school forward while protecting our legacy and maintaining our Catholic character.”

Mullen offered advice for his successor: “Rely on others.” He emphasized his reliance on supportive parents, dedicated staff members, loyal alumni, generous volunteers and donors during his tenure.

“I look forward to joining my colleagues in assisting my successor in our mission to form men of faith and men of character who are well-prepared to make a difference in our world,” he concluded.