Kate Diorio
Program : Principal Certification
Hometown : New Cumberland, PA
Undergraduate Degree : BA in secondary education from West Chester University
There was never any doubt that one day Kate Diorio was going to be an educator and she even has her ninth-grade English class essay to document her destiny. Diorio remembers always knowing what she wanted to be when she “grew up,” and Neumann College became an integral part of her education plan.
Today, Kate is the dean of students at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. Her job responsibilities include guidance and discipline to students in grades 9 -12 along with being the site coordinator for state standardized testing.
After graduating from West Chester University with a degree in secondary education and starting a family with her husband Joe, Kate decided to return for her master’s degree. With two toddlers and a newborn at home, she knew that she needed a flexible program that offered extra support to adult students.
“I was not entirely confident I would be able to balance family, education and career. With the support of my family and my Neumann professors, I was able to successfully earn my masters. The professors at Neumann are compassionate to the unique needs of people returning to school.”
In 2004, Kate was looking through an educational supplement in the newspaper and came across an article about Neumann’s graduate programs. She read that Neumann offered classes at satellite locations and one, Archbishop Wood High School, was near her home.
“It was a perfect fit for me. Archbishop Wood is literally around the corner from my house and Wednesday was the only night I had available to take class. I couldn’t have asked for better accommodations,” she says.
For Kate, Neumann’s perfect fit didn’t stop with the convenient location. She also found her professors knowledgeable as well as understanding of the adult students. “The professors at Neumann are compassionate to the unique needs of people returning to school. Additionally, Neumann students are treated as professional s who can contribute to class with their real-world experiences.”
Neumann’s mission as a Catholic college in the Franciscan tradition rang true for Kate the moment she began taking classes and interacting with her fellow students and professors.
“At Neumann I was fortunate to experience a dedicated and caring group of educators who were as committed to my goals as was I. It is my hope that I am able to replicate these values to those whom I encounter in my profession and daily life,” Kate says.
