Getting to Know St. Agnes Lower School Dean, Jenn Wojcik

We were excited to have St. Agnes Academy Dean Jenn Wojcik, an experienced and passionate educator, join our community in July. She has quickly acclimated to our campus!

Our SAA students had some questions for our new Dean.  When asked if we could interview her with student-submitted questions, she willingly agreed!

Were you a teacher before you were a dean?

Yes, I taught at various levels--college (American Literature, Business Writing, and Composition) for 10 years, high school (American Literature and British Literature) for 1 year, and middle school (Language Arts and Literature) for 13 years.

Why did you want to be a dean? 

I had been the English Department Chair and Middle School Coordinator, working with teachers and teaching enrichment classes at different levels, and really enjoyed it. I liked seeing how unique approaches to instruction can be and sharing strategies and best practices with others. I love being in the classroom, but I feel I can make a different and further-reaching impact working with teachers who then take what they learn back into their classrooms. I feel like we grow as educators working together and sharing ideas.

Why did you decide to come to St. Agnes?

God definitely led me to St. Agnes Academy! I loved my school in Naples and all the students and families there (still do!), so I wasn't really looking to move, but God had a different plan for me. I met a few people connected with SAA-SDS, and after my very first visit on campus, I felt an immediate connection. I believed in the mission, rooted in the Dominican Pillars, and there just seemed to be such a joyful spirit and energy at the heart of the community. Like my former school, SAA felt like a family--a very proud, happy family, working together to bring Christ's message of peace out into the world. I very much wanted to be a part of the SAA family, and now I am. God is good!

Do you like being at an all-girls school?

100% yes! God blessed me with two amazing sons, and now that they are in college and making their mark on the world, I have nearly 200 girls to love and nurture. You girls have won my heart already. I wake up every day eager to get to school, to watch you grow into what God wants you to be, so you too can "set the world on fire," just as St. Catherine of Siena encourages us.

Are you going to come visit us in our classrooms a lot?

As much as I possibly can! It makes me very happy to be with you and to see all the amazing things you and your teachers are doing in your classrooms. 

When you lived in Florida, were you ever in a hurricane?

Yes, several. It's just part of living in Southwest Florida. Thankfully, God always kept my family safe. 

What are your favorite sports or hobbies? Ones you like to play or watch?

I love to run! You may see me around East Memphis, on the Greenline, or out on local trails. I also enjoy yoga and pilates.

 I played basketball and volleyball in high school. Volleyball was my favorite, but I don't play very often these days. And...as a graduate of The University of Alabama, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I am a huge fan of college football! Roll Tide!

What is your favorite color?

Green—I like all shades of green. It reminds me of being out in nature, and I love being outside.

What is your favorite kind of music?

Well, I would probably have to say country, but I also enjoy blues and classic rock. 

Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I have one sister. Her name is Christine, and she is a teacher and school administrator too. We are very close. 

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs--Camo and Cody. Camo's my old man, and Cody is a puppy. They keep me very busy at home now that my boys are away in college.

What was your favorite subject when you were young?

My favorites were Literature (Reading) and Writing. I also enjoyed History, still do!

How tall are you really? Is it more than 6 feet?

Ha! Nope--I'm really 6 feet tall and have been since I was a freshman in high school. Well, unless I'm shrinking. Sometimes, when I stand next to my boys, I feel like I might be. They are 6'3" and 6'6", so they make me look short!

What is your favorite food?

That's a tough one. It depends on my mood. I love to cook, and I like to try new foods. I really like Thai food. But sometimes I crave simple things like grilled cheese and a bowl of tomato soup! I've come to learn that Memphis is a foodie town--so many great restaurants here! I've enjoyed trying new places.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

I love ice cream! My favorite is probably coffee flavor, especially if it has chocolate or espresso chips! I recently tried Mexican ice cream here in East Memphis. It was delicious!

Can we put a full-length mirror in the bathroom? 

Ha! Now why would you need that? You wear uniforms, and you are all beautiful as you are! Wash your hands, check your hair, and get back to your teachers and friends! You girls make me smile!