“It is a testament to Mike’s lifelong commitment to service that, at the end of his professional career, he continued to provide the needed leadership for the foundation of Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School,” said Bishop Luis Raphel Zarama. “Mike’s lasting legacy will be his passion and dedication to Catholic education in the Diocese of Raleigh.”
During a multi-year feasibility study, a clear need for a seasoned president emerged as one of the most crucial elements required to establish this new school in the Triangle. Dr. Fedewa energetically accepted the challenge with Bishop Zarama’s strong support. He has since played a vital role in the founding of Cristo Rey Research Triangle, leading the school through the feasibility study, its construction, and opening in the fall of 2021.
Dr. Fedewa has led a distinguished career in education. Before leading Cristo Rey Research Triangle, he served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh for more than 25 years. Towards the end of his loyal tenure, he was overseeing the education of more than 9,000 students annually across 29 Catholic schools, including several new schools that opened under his leadership.
Dr. Fedewa’s distinguished work has earned him prestigious recognition. He received the Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award in Catholic Education, the North Carolina Champion of School Choice Award, and the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal.
Mark Baric, Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School’s Board chair, adds, “Mike has been a phenomenal leader for our constructing, staffing, and operation of this unique school. His many years of experience in Catholic education have been tremendous as evidenced by the quality of the School’s wonderful inner-city location and the very highly regarded faculty and staff. We thank Mike for his tireless efforts and wish him happiness and good health in his well-earned retirement.”
Cristo Rey Research Triangle’s Board of Directors hired Jeb Myers to serve as Interim President starting January 1, 2023. Mr. Myers is an experienced Cristo Rey leader, having served in leadership positions at Cristo Rey schools for more than 15 years. He is finishing a year-long stint as the Interim President of Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School. Prior to this role, he served for 15 years at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Twin Cities), half as the school’s President and half as Assistant Principal and Principal. Mr. Meyers has also served as a Board Member on the Cristo Rey Network’s Governance Committee and Finance & Advancement Committee.
Cristo Rey Research Triangle’s Board of Directors will soon begin the process of launching an equitable, transparent, and thorough process to identify a highly qualified successor to Dr. Fedewa. The school will share more information about this process soon.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fedewa on his retirement and years of service championing Catholic education in North Carolina.