Robert H. Palestini, Ed.D
Dean Emeritus, St. Joseph’s University

Robert H. Palestini is a prime example of the value Catholic schools place on Education. He has, after all, devoted more than 40 years to the subject.

Palestini’s love for education began at Our Lady of Peace Elementary School. It was there that he was first introduced to the benefits of a faith-based curriculum. Palestini graduated from Saint James High School in 1959 and went on to receive both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Saint Joseph’s University. He continued his education by receiving his Ed.D., with distinction, from Temple University and an MLE Certificate from Harvard University.

But while many graduates choose to leave the classroom behind, Palestini opted to dedicate his life to it. Palestini’s commitment to teaching has seen him in numerous roles from Cardinal O’Hara High School’s basketball coach to biology teacher to Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In that position, Palestini was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and operation of one of the largest Catholic school systems in the United States.

In 1990, Palestini returned to his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University, where among his countless other contributions to the university, he developed several new Master’s Degrees, as well as the creation of the only doctoral program in the university’s history. Furthermore, Palestini is an accomplished author, having written six books on educational administration and leadership.

Finally, there’s his ongoing commitment to the church. Palestini has been the Deputy Executive Director of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, an event that attracted over 1 million visitors to Philadelphia. He also played a vital role in coordinating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Philadelphia in 1979. Today, as an active and involved member of Old St. Joseph’s Church, Palestini sees to the maintenance and preservation of the building and also works to educate the community on the history of the parish and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Palestini, who embodies the phrase “promise fulfilled,” credits his values and work ethic to his Catholic school education. In his words, “I am eternally grateful to the sisters, priests, brothers, and laypeople that instilled God-centered values in me. I am who I am because of them.”

Schools Attended:

Our Lady of Peace Elementary School – 1955

St. James High
School – 1959