Getting to know

ND' s new leader

By Madelyn ’24

As Ashley Rae Mathis officially transitions into the role as head of school, she hopes to foster a connection with students and learn what they value most about Notre Dame. "What do they love?" she said. "What values do they connect with most? What teacher inspires them?"

Mathis gave an insight into her own personality, saying that she is "a joyful reader, a music enthusiast and an avid traveler." Her affinity for traveling is evidenced through her time living abroad in Spain and South Africa. Mathis also enjoys "spending time with family, gardening, photography and working out. I unapologetically love God, kindness and great FOOD!"

Mathis has many causes she is passionate about, including "developing culturally mindful, mentally/physically healthy communities of color, empowering students with unique abilities, fostering equity in schools, promoting womenowned businesses and supporting initiatives about gun violence, racial inequities and women’s rights." These causes align with Notre Dame’s mission to educate lifelong learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders.

This next year will be exciting as we transition to new school leadership. Mathis, in the words of Mary Beth Riley, "will be a passionate, dedicated next leader for our school, and I could not be happier."

Welcome, Ms. Mathis, to Notre Dame!

Excerpted from Crown and Shield, published May 2023

Fast Facts About Ashley Rae Mathis

1She was the Nevada high school triple-jump champion and a four-year Division I student-athlete at the University of Nevada-Reno.

2Her degrees are from Nevada (Bachelor of Journalism and Communication) and USC (Master of Communication Management), and she completed a Harvard course on early childhood development.

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A self-described foodie, she has written restaurant reviews as a hobby.

Public service runs in the family; in addition to her parents’ long careers in education, her sister Tya is deputy treasurer for the State of Nevada.

Ashley Rae has lived abroad twice — once in Spain for a study program during college, and later as a consultant on assignment in South Africa.