Mary Mihovilovic

Roles and Affiliations

Dr. Mary Mihovilovic is an Associate Professor and Subject Lead for Postgraduate Taught Programmes in Education at St Mary's University. She oversees MA Education pathways (e.g., Leading Innovation and Change, Religious Education), MA Catholic School Leadership, and related postgraduate certificates. She also serves as a Foundation Director of a diocesan Multi-Academy Trust and holds governance roles in Catholic educational institutions.

Education Background

• Bachelor of Humanities (Hons) in Religious Studies and Classical Studies
• PGCE in Secondary Religious Education
• Master’s in Educational Leadership and Christian Spirituality
• Doctorate in Education (EdD)

Research Focus

Mary’s work centers on Catholic education systems, leadership dynamics, and teacher experiences. Key themes include:

• Catholic Multi-Academy Trust governance and leadership
• Non-Catholic teachers in Catholic schools
• Women’s roles in the Catholic Church and education
• Church-state tensions in secular schooling

Key Projects

Recent research includes:

• Catholic MAT CEOs’ perspectives (funded by Holy Cross Sisters)
• School Leaders’ and Catholic Life Leads’ experiences in MATs
• Foundation Directors’ roles in MAT governance

Recognition

Mary holds a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy and has contributed to national and international conferences on Catholic education. Her publications explore teacher identity, institutional policy, and synodal Church reform.