Nardin Academy has announced the appointment of Sandra Betters as its 26th school president.
Betters comes to Nardin from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, on Long Island, where she has been principal since 2018, but she has Western New York ties as well.
A native of Batavia, Betters earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at St. Bonaventure University, a master's degree from the College of Saint Rose and she is working on completing her doctorate next year at American University.
In more than two decades of her career, Betters has held both administrative and teaching posts at private and public schools in New York, North Carolina and Virginia.
"Throughout our discussions with Sandra, it was clear to the search committee that her leadership style, temperament, personal values and professional background are an optimal match for Nardin," said Board of Trustees Chair Tish Van Dyke in a statement. "Perhaps the most striking factor in Sandra’s candidacy was her personal and professional alignment with our founders, the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, as well as Nardin’s mission and values, which was evident from the committee’s first interaction with her. The Board’s approval of her candidacy shows confidence in her ability to be an outstanding leader and steward of our mission to inspire hearts and minds to do amazing things for the world through faith, character, academic excellence and service."
Located in Buffalo's Elmwood Village, Nardin is the oldest Catholic independent high school for girls in Western New York. Betters succeeds Marsha Joy Sullivan, who was Nardin president since 2008. A national search began last fall and the hiring was unanimously approved by the Nardin Board of Trustees.