Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri Names Dr. Luke Murray as Headmaster

Dr. Luke Murray, Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri

The board of directors at Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Luke Murray as Headmaster!

Dr. Murray is passionate about reaching young people with the truth and joy of the Gospel, and forming well-rounded servant leaders able to flourish wherever the Lord leads them. He comes to Chesterton Academy after having served most recently as the Berkel Chair of Theology and leading the Institute for Faith and Culture in Lawrence, Kansas, based out of the Saint Lawrence Center serving the University of Kansas.

Dr. Murray received a Ph.D. in Historical Theology, and went on to postdoctoral work at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium). He also has earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Ave Maria University, a Masters Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from his time discerning the priesthood at Mt. Angel Seminary.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Murray as the first Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri,” Chairman of the Board Devin Winter remarked. “His deep and genuine faith, his impressive academic credentials, his sturdy leadership, and his sincere passion for teaching make him the ideal Headmaster. Dr. Murray isn’t content with standing behind the podium in a classroom. He is eager to engage with students and families, meet with friends and supporters of the academy, and welcome his fellow teachers. We couldn’t be more happy to have him.”

"I am humbled and honored to serve as Headmaster at the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri,” Dr. Murray said. “The classical approach to education, grounded in grammar, logic, and rhetoric, has never been more needed. Forming young men and women who listen well, think clearly, and communicate effectively is crucial for the functioning of society and for preparing students to thrive wherever the Lord leads them in the future. I look forward to meeting the community and building something special here at the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri!"

Dr. Murray brings a wealth of experience in academia, but his experience with many college students has stirred an awareness of the need to lay firmer foundations in the souls of students at a younger age. The chance to do this in the context of a joyful Catholic school has drawn him into this new chapter in his life's work.

Dr. Murray enjoys spending time with his wife Katie, and their daughters Juliette (6) and Alice (4), playing board games, guitar, piano, and watching the Chiefs and Jayhawks. They are eager to move to Kansas City to take the helm of the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri, and build a school worthy of our namesakes!

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri