Merry Quinn

Merry Quinn serves as Program Chair of Educational Leadership and Clinical Assistant Professor within the School of Education at Loyola University Chicago, where she handles master scheduling, hires adjunct professors, completes compliance reports, teaches in the program, facilitates monthly meetings, meets with the Dean, and interviews prospective students. With more than 35 years in the field of education, her career began as a classroom aide in a special education high school, followed by teaching social studies and serving as a school counselor in suburban high schools. She advanced into administration as Director of Student Services across multiple schools, then as assistant principal and assistant superintendent in public high school districts. She later became regional director in the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools, overseeing about 75 schools for six years before joining Loyola four years ago. Quinn earned her doctorate in educational leadership after completing a community college program, a university degree, a master's in school counseling, and a second master's in educational leadership. She remains current with her Illinois licensure through professional development. She belongs to the Illinois Principals Association and the Illinois Council for Professors of Educational Leadership. Quinn credits her father, who worked in education, as an early inspiration and names Dr. Mary Kearney as a key mentor. She advises staying true to convictions, remaining passionate, using data and collaboration in decisions, and staying student and family centered. Outside her professional work, she supports the American Cancer Society, Canines for Comfort, and formerly mentored through 1 Million Degrees.