TOLEDO, OH — St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy is pleased to announce that Fr. Tom Pipp, S.J. has been formally appointed as the school’s next Vice President for Mission and Ignatian Identity. The Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus has assigned Fr. Pipp to this leadership role, succeeding Fr. James Sand, S.J., who will be departing for Tertianship in Egypt later this year.
Fr. Pipp is no stranger to the St. John’s Jesuit community. His connection to SJJ spans decades, having served previously as a theology teacher during his regency and later as Director of Service and Vice President for Mission. A familiar and respected spiritual presence on campus, Fr. Pipp presided over the funeral Mass for beloved faculty member Ron Miller and has remained closely tied to the school’s Jesuit mission and values.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Fr. Tom back home to St. John’s,” said President Karl Ertle. “His deep understanding of Ignatian spirituality and his longstanding relationship with our community make him uniquely suited to guide and strengthen our mission at this important time in our school’s history.”
Most recently, Fr. Pipp has served as Superior of the Northeast Ohio Jesuit Community, residing at John Carroll University while directing the Ignatian Spirituality Institute and leading regional Jesuit initiatives. His transition to Toledo will take place over the summer, and he will officially join the SJJ leadership team on August 11.
In his missioning letter dated May 16, 2025, Provincial Rev. Karl J. Kiser, S.J., wrote:
“I formally mission you to serve as the Vice President for Mission and Identity at St. John’s Jesuit. In this work, I ask that you help students, staff, and stakeholders know they are God’s loving creation with a set purpose.”
The appointment of Fr. Pipp comes at a time of continued renewal for St. John’s Jesuit, following a series of structural and leadership updates that have reinforced the school’s commitment to Jesuit values, educational excellence and spiritual formation.
