Ursuline High School President Announces Retirement

Rev. Richard Murphy to step down after 14 years leading the Catholic school

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:52pm

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An impressionistic, blurred photograph of a school building's exterior, with warm, glowing light creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene.The retirement of Ursuline High School's long-serving president marks a transition for the prominent Catholic institution.Youngstown Today

The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced that Ursuline High School President Rev. Richard Murphy will retire on July 1, 2026. Murphy, a 1972 graduate of the school, has served as its first-ever president since 2012 and has also taught religious studies at the school for 22 years.

Why it matters

Rev. Murphy's retirement marks the end of an era for Ursuline High School, as he was the institution's first president and helped guide the school through significant changes over the past 14 years. His departure will pave the way for new leadership and a fresh vision for the Catholic high school.

The details

In his announcement, Rev. Murphy cited the need for 'new energy and leadership' at Ursuline High School as the primary reason for his retirement at age 72. He will continue his ministry as pastor of the Queen of Heaven Parish in Trumbull County and plans to remain involved with the Ursuline community. The school's board of directors will immediately begin the process of searching for the next president.

  • Rev. Richard Murphy was appointed as Ursuline High School's first president in 2012.
  • Rev. Murphy has taught religious studies at the school for 22 years.
  • Rev. Murphy will retire from his role as Ursuline High School president on July 1, 2026.

The players

Rev. Richard Murphy

The retiring president of Ursuline High School, who has served in that role since 2012 and taught at the school for 22 years.

Bishop David Bonnar

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, who praised Rev. Murphy's service and commitment to Catholic education.

Ursuline High School

A Catholic high school in Youngstown, Ohio, that is part of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

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What they’re saying

“After months of prayerful reflection and 14 privileged years serving my alma mater as its first-ever president, it is time to acknowledge at age 72 that the many good things the school community, its board of governance and I sought to advance as goals and vision for Ursuline are served by a person with new energy and their own.”

— Rev. Richard Murphy, Retiring President, Ursuline High School

“I am grateful to Father Murphy for his dedicated service to Ursuline High School. Father Murphy's commitment to the priesthood and Catholic Education in the spirit of the Gospel is exemplary.”

— Bishop David Bonnar, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Youngstown

What’s next

The Ursuline High School board of directors will immediately begin the process of searching for and selecting the next president to lead the school following Rev. Murphy's retirement.

The takeaway

Rev. Richard Murphy's retirement as Ursuline High School's first president marks the end of an era for the Catholic institution, as he has provided steady leadership and a strong commitment to Catholic education over the past 14 years. The school's board now faces the important task of finding a new president who can build upon Rev. Murphy's legacy and guide Ursuline High School into the future.