We are excited to share that after prayerful consideration, Mrs. Kathryn Baganz has accepted the call to serve as the next Principal at Lake Country Lutheran High School, effective June 1, 2018. Mr. Dwayne Jobst, who announced his retirement last month, will continue in his service as Principal through the end of the current school year.
Katie currently serves as assistant professor of education and coordinator of licensure and assessment at Concordia University Wisconsin. She is likely already a familiar face to many in the LCL community because of her previous service as a teacher at LCL from 2006-2014. Her husband, Micah, is a partner in ministry as well, continuing his service as a teacher at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School in Hartland.
"God continues to place incredibly talented and passionate individuals in our midst to help move His ministry forward at Lake Country Lutheran High School," shares CEO Cole Braun. "I am overwhelmed with joy at the fact that Katie will serve as the next principal at LCL. Katie's servant leadership style and her passion for Lutheran education, specifically for LCL, is evident in everything that Katie does. Both she and Micah have been part of the LCL family and fabric for many years, and we are indeed richly blessed to have Katie back to lead LCL as the next principal."
Katie echoes the same excitement. "Lake Country Lutheran is a tremendous community with an unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel message," says Katie. "I am thankful to the LCL teachers, students, and families who helped me develop as an educator and a leader during my time as a teacher at LCL, and I am truly honored and blessed to continue my ministry in such a remarkable organization."
Katie's Background
Katie graduated valedictorian from Milwaukee Lutheran High School in 1999. Upon graduation, she pursued her vocation through Concordia University Wisconsin, graduating in 2003 as a Secondary Education and English major, with minors in Psychology and Theology. Katie later continued her education at Marquette University where she completed a masters degree in 2009, focused on instructional leadership. Currently, Katie is a PhD Candidate through Grand Canyon University, where she anticipates graduation in December 2019 with an emphasis in learning and technology integration.
Career Opportunities
Katie's first teaching opportunity upon graduation from CUW in 2003 was to Our Savior Lutheran School in Arlington, Virginia. After 3 years there, Katie came back to Wisconsin and began her various roles at LCL. During her time there, she taught language arts and social studies, was the lead advisor for National Honor Society, led numerous accreditation processes, and also instructed English and writing classes online through Orange Lutheran High School. After eight years at LCL, Katie moved on to the university level in 2014 to serve as the director of dual credit and instructional design consultant at Concordia University Wisconsin. She held this position for two years before stepping into her current role at CUW as assistant professor of education and coordinator of licensure and assessment.
In addition to her service on numerous boards, committees, and professional service activities, Katie was nominated for the Dr. James Juergensen Master Educator Award in 2011 and in 2013, was recognized as the LCMS South Wisconsin District Secondary Educator of the Year in 2012, and received the esteemed Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship in 2013.
Lutheran Education Heritage
Both Katie and Micah come from families who championed the rich tradition of Lutheran education, which continues to fuel both of their pursuits. Katie is quick to give credit to this upbringing as a firm foundation for her new opportunity at LCL.
Katie writes, "Coming from a family dedicated to Lutheran education, I appreciate the long-standing legacy and impact of excellence in Lutheran schools. Serving within Lutheran organizations as a teacher, a director, a professor, and soon as a principal, I am thankful to God for the tremendous blessing of Lutheran schools. At LCL, I know that the teachers, students, and families are united in their mission to serve God and serve others, and I am eager to be part of the LCL family once again. The LCL experience is defined by an integral passion to be exceptional. In response to God's love for us, we are all called to glorify Him as we use the gifts he has given us. I am excited to join the LCL community in continually striving to glorify God in all that we do."
We praise God for leading Katie to all of her previous ministry opportunities, and we are blessed to have her soon serving in this leadership role at LCL. Please keep both her and Micah in your prayers through the transitions ahead, and may we continue to thank the Lord for all the remarkable ways that He works through the transformational gift of Christian education.
Welcome back, Katie!
