Salesianum will welcome a historic new chapter this July as Mr. Kevin Burke officially steps into his role as the school’s first lay principal.

For Mr. Burke, the appointment is both an honor and a responsibility.

“I feel honored,” Mr. Burke said. “With that honor also comes a lot of responsibility. The identity of this school is important, and we need to continue it.”

Although he is not a member of the clergy, Mr. Burke emphasized that continuing the Salesian charism will remain central to his leadership.

“It’s not just campus ministry or Mass, we need to express the Oblate charism in everything we do. I’ve come to love the practical spirituality of the Oblates. It’s especially powerful for young men.”

From South Jersey to Salesianum

Mr. Burke grew up just across the bridge in South Jersey. He attended St. Augustine Preparatory School, an Augustinian, all-boys Catholic college preparatory school similar to Salesianum.

“I always knew about Salesianum from afar and had great admiration for it,” he said.

Mr. Burke later returned to St. Augustine Prep to teach, where he stayed for 13 years before leading the Spiritan all-boys school near Philadelphia, Holy Ghost Prep in 2019. 

“It will be hard to leave,” Mr. Burke admitted. “There’s some sadness and excitement and both can exist at the same time. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost students and community and they know how much I care about them. At the same time, they understand my decision is for my family and something I am being called to do.”

He and his family currently live in New Jersey, but plan to move closer to Salesianum to remain present and involved in the school community.

“I know how important it is to be here and be visible.”

A Philly Sports Fan at Heart

Mr. Burke describes himself as a  “5 for 5 Philly fan”, supporting the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and the Union. His favorite sport, however, is basketball. “My favorite college team is the Villanova Wildcats,” he said. 

Mr. Burke earned his master’s degree from Villanova and grew up watching the Wildcats during the Rollie Massimino era, later admiring the program’s success under Jay Wright.

Why Salesianum?

When asked what drew him to Salesianum, Mr. Burke described the decision as something deeper than a career move.

“There was something about being open to the Spirit,” he said. “I felt a calling. It also feels like a place I want to be, I’m blessed to join a community that I already believe in before I even step foot in it.”

After visiting campus and learning more about Salesian education, his confidence grew.

“When I met the young men here, I was blown away. I already believe in this community before even officially joining it.”

Honoring and Strengthening Tradition

From the Tie Ceremony to graduation to the Spelman Classic, Mr. Burke has already begun experiencing Salesianum traditions firsthand.

“There’s so much energy,” he said. “If they’re like the Spelman Classic, they’re awesome traditions.”

He also confirmed he plans to participate in next year’s Spelman Classic.

“I’m going to lace them up,” he said with a smile.

When asked how he hopes to both uphold and strengthen traditions, Mr. Burke emphasized gratitude. .

“You start with gratitude for those who came before you. Improvement doesn’t mean eliminating, it means accentuating the great things already here. That responsibility belongs to the entire community.”

Mr. Burke also spoke about the importance of community presence in a boys’ school environment, even in small ways.

“I am a dog person. I believe that every boys school should have a dog and Sallies has 2 of them in Dewey and Louie!”

Looking Ahead

As he prepares to take office in July, Mr. Burke says his family is eager to become part of the Salesianum community.

“The Oblates have fostered something vibrant and spiritual here. It’s a blessing for my family and me to join it.”

With excitement, gratitude, and a strong sense of responsibility, Mr. Kevin Burke is ready to lead Salesianum into its next chapter.