Q&A with Deacon Scott J. Conway ’98C, ’07GEd, LEAD Honoree

The School of Education at St. John's University celebrates our outstanding alumni and faculty at our annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD).

Deacon Scott J. Conway ’98C, ’07GEd, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of St. Augustine, FL, will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education at the 14th Annual Leaders in Education Award Dinner (LEAD) on April 10 at the Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor.

Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?

I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Leaders in Education Award from St. John’s University. Having had some changes in my journey of life from studying to be a priest to becoming a husband and father, to being ordained a deacon of the Church—and the great opportunities that have come to me as an educator—have really been the work of the Holy Spirit. I am blessed to have many great people in my life who have helped and encouraged me along the way.

The joy of being recognized by St. John’s University for my contributions to the educational community throughout the United States humbles me and reminds me that all things are possible with God. The Vincentian community had a great influence in my life while at St. John’s, and especially the mission and vision of the University and the Vincentian community. I hope that God continues to give me the opportunity to serve all of God’s people.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession.

I am happily married to my wife, Kristen, and blessed with two children, Emma and Owen. We moved to Florida so that we would not need to battle the cold that we were so accustomed to living in New York. I have been the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of St. Augustine for the past 10 years, and have worked tirelessly for the people I serve: the families of our Catholic schools.

It has been an amazing educational career as an educator. In these last 10 years, I have spent time lobbying in the state capital for universal school choice and making teachers’ pay more equitable with the public sector.

Academic excellence is a driving force for us in the diocese, but what has been an even greater focus for me is the Catholic identity of our schools. There is no greater joy that comes to my heart in my career as superintendent than seeing students who truly know that Jesus is alive in our world in the Blessed Sacrament. Each year, I am blessed to make school visits, and some of those visits are Eucharistic Processions where students are on their knees recognizing the one true King. We have been blessed with many students in our schools converting to Catholicism and many others learning about the faith for the first time. Our schools are truly places of evangelization. 

How has a degree from The School of Education (SOE) impacted your career path?

I would not be where I am today without the education I received from St. John’s University. St. John’s gave me the knowledge and skills to not only be successful in the world, but to help others come to know God. My undergraduate years at St. John’s helped me better understand myself so that I could serve others. The University helped me move outside my comfort zone and engage in things that were unfathomable to me. This would include opportunities to study abroad and expand my horizon of the world. 

Were there any professors in The School of Education who influenced your life? 

In my undergraduate years at the University, three professors had a great impact on my life. 

Rev. Richard J. Devine, C.M., was one of my professors of theology and really helped me develop a passion for morality, especially in the area of medical ethics. He challenged me to grow in understanding the teachings of the Church and to be very conscious of the pastoral needs of those we serve. 

Rev. Robert E. Lauder, Ph.D., who was both my professor for philosophy and theology, enlightened me to how these subjects had such a practical role in life. He was able to make them tangible and actionable. One of those very practical courses was the Theology of Movies. 

Rev. Thomas Caserta was probably the most influential member of the faculty of the University. Father was always the joyful, loving, and passionate priest who embodied not only the mission of the University, but of the priesthood. I was blessed to not only have him as a professor of theology, but also as my spiritual director. He helped me truly find a passion for being a lifelong learner. I don’t know that I would be where I am today without his guidance and wisdom over the years.

When I came back to St. John’s for my master’s degree in School Building Leadership, I was blessed to meet Jerold Ross, Ph.D., who was the Dean of The School of Education. Honestly, at that time in my life, I was trying to grow in my capacity as an educator. My background was in philosophy and theology at the undergraduate level, and at the graduate level, my studies were all in theology.

Dean Ross took a chance on me. I did not have an education background, except that I had taught Theology and Ethics at the high school level. He helped me to get certified in the State of New York in a nontraditional route and welcomed me into The School of Education.

I will never forget his hospitality and assistance in helping me to grow as an educator, which truly led to my role as superintendent of schools today. Dean Ross has passed from this life, but without him helping me, I don’t know that I would be receiving this award.

What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student in The School of Education?

There was nothing I did not love about St. John’s University, from the campus and the architecture; to my social experiences on campus with other students, faculty, administrators, and staff; to the academic pursuit. I always loved to take in a basketball game, or in my undergraduate days to go to the chapel that was in Lourdes Hall. Now, of course, there is the beautiful St. Thomas More Church on campus, but in those days, there was a chapel that was not as elegant. I can remember going to the School of Law for lunch and meeting up with classmates, especially brother seminarians. 

What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni?

As educators, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Our educational systems here in the United States were born from the priests, religious sisters, and brothers who came to our country. From their work came our Catholic schools, and then public schools. Each of us who enters this profession may never see the impact of our work, but we are the foundation of all professions, such as political leaders, religious, firefighters, doctors, and lawyers—truly every profession.

It is not easy to be an educator today, but we are at the heart of our society. Be proud of the work you do and never forget that Jesus is the great teacher. He took care of everyone, especially the most marginalized. When he called the Apostles, he did not call the smartest, richest, or the most noble; he called people like you and me to continue to be His hands and feet in our world, forming the next generation.