Though Michael Knowles’ appointment to associate director of school development and operations in the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools is new, working in Catholic education certainly isn’t.
“My six years at Trenton Catholic Academy provided me the opportunity to appreciate fully the gift of Catholic education,” Knowles emphasized. “I was afforded the unique opportunity to be involved in all aspects of school operations and development. In a way, TCA defined the role for me here in the Diocese.”
As former president of the Hamilton school, Knowles understands the value of meeting the technological and spiritual needs of Catholic school students, particularly during COVID-19.
“Catholic education has led the way over the last 18 months,” he explained. “The pandemic impacted all of us. Our schools were able not only to adapt – they thrived. The commitment and passion of our school leaders enabled our students to embrace technology solutions that not only served us well in the short-term but [also] prepared us for the future.”
Knowles joined the TCA staff in 2015, serving as both marketing director and community relations liaison. He also worked as the school’s Project Lead the Way / STEM curriculum coordinator as well as its first upper school robotics moderator.
In Catholic schools particularly, Knowles enjoys “the fact that we are here to meet the needs of our students entrusted to us in mind, body and soul … I truly believe this is God’s plan for me.”
Calling Hamilton home, Knowles and his wife, Genevieve, are active members of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where he has served the parish community over the years in faith formation and social justice ministries. The couple have three adult children and two grandchildren. Knowles enjoys being an avid runner and grandfather.
“Catholic schools truly meet the academic, social, emotional and spiritual needs of our children,” he reflected. “Education is all about preparing our students for the future. Catholic education is about preparing our students for their future in heaven. It is our task to serve our students in a way that they will be responsible contributors to society while living out the Gospel values.”