Center for Catholic Education at UD

The first staff member of the CCE that we will present to you is Susan Ferguson who is the Director of the Center for Catholic Education at UD! Susan has been working for the Center since July 1, 2007. She is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and she attended our very own University of Dayton for college. Keep reading to learn more about Susan...

What do you do at the CCE? I am the director of the Center.  I am responsible for overseeing the work of Center initiatives, promoting the Center, encouraging research in Catholic education, and connecting with many University of Dayton and off campus partners committed to the flourishing of Catholic education.  Teaching and advising students in the Department of Teacher Education and collaborating with the directors of the University of Dayton - Center for Early Learning, the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, and Catholic Leadership Institute are additional responsibilities.

Describe your family: I have been married to my husband, Dick Ferguson, founding Executive Director of the University of Dayton Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, for almost 39 years.  We have three sons; Mark, David, and AJ.  Mark is married to Amy Queenan Ferguson and they have two children, Emma who is four years old and William who is two years old.  David is married to Katie Peterson Ferguson and they live in Los Angeles.  AJ lives in Dayton as do Mark, Amy, Emma, and Will.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?  My favorite way to pass leisure time is with my family and friends.  I like to walk for exercise and I like shopping.

Why do you support Catholic Education?  I believe one purpose of Catholic Education is to provide encouragement to find faith as the foundation for life, to build on that foundation to discern vocation as envisioned by God, and to live that vocation to serve the community. A second related purpose is to provide academically excellent curriculum that inspires students to integrate disciplines for purposes of seeing beauty in the world and for meeting challenges with a sense of learning and hope.   

What Catholic Education topic are you most passionate about?  Notions of educating the whole child to include cognitive, social, emotional, physical, moral and spiritual development are of greatest interests.  I am currently enamored with the influence of contemplative practices in schools and the role of technology for innovation in Catholic schools.

Why do you look forward to coming to work every day? The team at the Center for Catholic Education is a most collaborative, creative, conscientious, caring, and resourceful team.  Many days bring joy and when challenges arise all bring their expertise and wisdom to the “table”.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Catholic Educators?  You are part of a vast network of committed teachers, administrators, families, vowed religious, and of course students who embrace the model Jesus Christ gives as the way to live, love, laugh, sacrifice, and forgive.

Who is your role model? Describe him/her/them: I have several…my father for patience and honesty; my grandmother and the Marianists for hospitality; my husband, A.J.(son), Dave (son) and Emma (granddaughter) for creativity, Mark(son) for tenacity and organization, my daughters-in-law (Amy and Katie) for cooking; Will (grandson) for laughter and cool; Richard Rohr for inspiration.

Tell us three fun facts about you: I love to travel, dance, and be inspired.

Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself…I am an only child….when I seem selfish…it comes naturally;-)

Here are a few quotes from other CCE staff members about Susan:

“Susan has a huge heart for teachers and especially Catholic school teachers. She lives her life and her vocations with passion and conviction.”

“Susan is admired and respected by the CCE staff, U.D. students and fellow educators as a creative, compassionate professor, and an innovative, collaborative leader who is devoted to supporting the mission of Catholic education.”

“This woman is a blessing in the lives of all of the people that she encounters. I see and feel Christ’s love through her encouraging words and warm presence.”