IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst names Nikki Kanzia new president

Nikki Kanzia is the new president of IC Catholic Prep, its board of directors and parish pastor announced.

“I am happy to announce Nikki Kanzia as the new high school president,” the Rev. Thomas Paul, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, said in a news release. “As a member of the IC Catholic Prep family for the past four years, Nikki has proven herself a valuable member of our administration. She has successfully led our admissions and enrollment management activities, and provided leadership and oversight for student life. Her professional background as a Catholic school leader will help ICCP grow stronger. I am confident that Nikki will develop and build on our legacy of preparing socially responsible citizens for the challenges of the future.”

With more than 20 years of educational experience, Kanzia has served as a classroom teacher, student advocate and, most recently, administrator for the past 10 years. Before joining the IC Catholic Prep community, she served in the Archdiocese of Chicago at Nazareth Academy and in the Joliet Diocese as principal at St. Scholastica Parish School in Woodridge and assistant principal at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.

During her tenure as assistant principal, director of admissions and student life at IC Catholic Prep, Kanzia led efforts to increase enrollment, resulting in a 22% increase over four years, the release stated.

“In addition, she fostered community partnerships and relationships to ensure ICCP students have the very best Catholic college preparatory experience,” the release stated.

Kanzia has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, a master’s degree in educational leadership with an administrative certificate from National Louis University, and a certificate for leading inclusive Catholic schools from Loyola University.

“IC Catholic Prep is a vibrant, growing, family-centered community that I am honored to serve and be a part of,” Kanzia said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my work with Father Tom Paul, Steve Davidson and the IC Catholic Prep administrative team, the IC Catholic Prep board of directors and Immaculate Conception parish leadership. It is a privilege to carry on the good work of our outgoing president Barb Goworowski, as we continue to build community relationships and partnerships, creating an environment where students flourish and are prepared to learn, lead and serve in our homes and communities.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Barb Goworowski for her leadership as president of IC Catholic Prep,” Sean McMillen, board chairman of ICCP, said in the release. “We know that Barb’s dedication to the mission and vision of IC Catholic Prep does not end with this transition. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”