Michael J. Boyle

Michael J. Boyle is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Saint Louis University's School of Education and serves as Executive Director of the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education. He holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and has over 30 years of experience in Catholic education. His roles include Superintendent of the Diocese of Joliet-Illinois, Director of the Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education, and Principal of St. Michael Parish School. Boyle's research focuses on disability inclusion in Catholic schools, multi-tiered support systems, and mental health initiatives. He has authored numerous books, peer-reviewed articles, and white papers, including Ensuring a Place at the Table: Serving Students with Disabilities in Catholic Schools (2017) and A Light unto My Path: A Model of Accompaniment for Fostering Mental Wellness (2020). Boyle has received prestigious awards such as the Loyola University Distinguished Alumnus Award (2017, 2022) and the C. Albert Koob Award (2014). His work emphasizes bridging Catholic mission with academic excellence through leadership development and systemic reforms.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in School Psychology, Loyola University Chicago (1992)
  • M.Ed. in School Psychology, Loyola University Chicago (1986)
  • B.S., Western Illinois University (1983)
• Research Interests:
  • Disability inclusion and church engagement
  • Multi-tiered behavioral and academic support frameworks
  • Mental health strategies in Catholic school environments
  • Leadership development for Catholic educators
• Grants & Projects:
  • $1.75M grant for inclusive education models in Catholic schools (2009–2018)
  • U.S. Department of Education grants for principal leadership programs
  • Philippine National Standards for Effective Catholic Schools (2013–2016)
• Key Contributions:
  • Developed the "Opening the Doors to All" program using RTI for urban Catholic schools
  • Chaired over 15 doctoral dissertations on Catholic school leadership and inclusion
  • Consulted for dioceses globally on inclusive practices and systemic reforms
• Labs/Teams:
  • Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education (SLU)
  • Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education (Loyola University Chicago)
  • National Catholic Partnership on Disability (Board Chair)