Dr. RaeNell Houston, leader of Catholic schools, joins NCEA board

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has appointed Dr. RaeNell B. Houston, executive director of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, to the NCEA’s board of directors for a three-year term.

“Dr. Houston is a faith-filled woman who continues to say ‘yes’ to God’s call for servant leadership,” said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, NCEA board chairman. “The NCEA is blessed to welcome her to our board. She believes wholeheartedly in Catholic education and has been a highly respected leader among Catholic school superintendents.”

Houston has served the archdiocesan education office since 2012, first as an associate superintendent and then as superintendent in 2017. In 2020, she was appointed executive director of the newly created Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation to oversee a team providing a full spectrum of faith formation and Catholic education opportunities for Catholics of all ages while continuing to serve as superintendent of Catholic schools.

Prior to joining the archdiocese, Houston was an instructor in the department of teaching and learning at Southeastern Louisiana University and an assistant professor in the education department at the University of Holy Cross. She is a certified reading specialist and former elementary and middle school teacher.

Houston attended LSU, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She also received a master’s degree in business from Southern New Hampshire University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans.