FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Announces Abby Woodard as Assistant
Principal of Academics
Mobile, AL – McGill-Toolen Catholic High School is pleased to announce that Mrs. Abby Woodard
has been appointed as the next assistant principal for academics beginning with the 2025-2026
school year.
“Mrs. Woodard’s dedication to academic excellence, her passion for student growth, and her
unwavering commitment to our Catholic mission make her an outstanding choice for this role,”
noted Father Bry Shields, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School President. “As a 1998 graduate of
McGill-Toolen, Abby’s passion for our high school is unwavering,” continued Shields.
Mrs. Woodard is currently the department chair of the Social Studies department and has been
teaching for 21 years with 13 of those at McGill-Toolen. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in
Secondary Education, Social Sciences from USA, a Master’s in History from UNC-Charlotte and a
Master’s in Educational Leadership from USA.
Mrs. Woodard will succeed Mrs. Lisa Robertson, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
“With a strong background in curriculum development in her department and a deep understanding
of faith-based education, Mrs. Woodard will play a vital role in shaping the academic experience of
our students. Having worked with Mrs. Woodard for the past 13 years, I look forward to continuing
the McGill-Toolen tradition while working with her for new ways to make our school even
better,” future principal Blake Stein said.
Mrs. Woodard is married to Jonathon Woodard and has a current sophomore at McGill,-Toolen,
Audrey, and a 7th grader, James, at Corpus Christi Catholic School. McGill-Toolen has been an
integral part of her life for over 40 years as a student, teacher and parent. She is an active
parishioner at Corpus Christi Catholic parish. "I am humbled and honored to continue my career
here at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School as the Assistant Principal of Academics.” Woodard
said. “I strongly believe in the opportunity of a Catholic education for all students. I am excited for
this opportunity and look forward to working with the students, staff, and families to ensure that all
students continue to learn and grow in their faith in order to reach their full potential as global
citizens of the world.” Mrs. Woodard will start with the 2025-2026 school year.
About McGill-Toolen Catholic High School: Founded in 1897 by brothers Arthur and Felix McGill,
McGill Institute served a free Catholic school for boys. In 1973, McGill Institute merged with Bishop
Toolen High School, an all girls’ Catholic high school founded by Bishop Thomas J. Toolen. Today,
McGill-Toolen Catholic is the only Catholic high school serving Mobile, AL. With a student body of 700,
McGill-Toolen Catholic is a premier institution committed to academic excellence and faith-based
education.
Mission: McGill-Toolen Catholic High School provides a college preparatory secondary
education that enables individuals to grow in faith, to search for knowledge and truth in mind,
body, and spirit, and continue building the kingdom of God on earth. By active involvement in
the learning process, students are prepared for lives of Christian leadership and service.
Media Contact:
Amanda Gonzales
Director of Advancement
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School
251.45.29104
[email protected]
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