Bishop David Zubik appoints new principal of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School

Bishop David Zubik has appointed William Merchant as principal of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School effective July 1, 2024.

This appointment comes with the recommendation of the Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc. Board of Directors along with the support of the Seton LaSalle Catholic High School Board of Directors.

In his letter of appointment to Mr. Merchant, Bishop Zubik wrote: “Fostering the Catholic mission and identity of our schools is of the highest importance for the future of our Church. I have every confidence that you will continue to build upon Seton LaSalle Catholic High School’s strong Catholic culture and academic rigor, and, consistent with the school’s mission, endeavor to ‘cultivate the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth of every student to inspire them to passionately live out God’s purpose for their lives as a productive contributor to the global community.’”

Mr. Merchant is highly regarded educator and leader, who has served in Catholic secondary and higher education for fourteen years, including at Greensburg Catholic High School as chair of the religion department, and at Seton Hill University as an Adjunct Professor of Theology. For the last four years, he was Dean of Formation at Seton LaSalle High School.

He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.

As principal, Mr. Merchant will oversee the day-to-day academic affairs of Seton LaSalle, working closely with Lisa Osterhaus, the president.

Mr. Merchant said: “Working at Seton LaSalle has been such an incredible blessing the past four years. From watching the students grow to the endless hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff, it is abundantly clear that the goodness of God is at work here. I am humbled and invigorated to lead Seton LaSalle into this next chapter as we pursue academic excellence and faithful discipleship on the path to college and heaven.”

Ms. Osterhaus is looking forward to the new growth and achievement that Mr. Merchant’s leadership will usher in for the school.

She said: “Mr. Merchant’s dedication to academic excellence and holistic student development aligns perfectly with our school's mission and the legacies of our patron saints, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. John Baptist de La Salle.”