A Leader Among Leaders: Head of School Colleen Lynch Honored as Recipient of 2026 Austin Business Journal Women in Business Awards
AUSTIN, Texas (August 28, 2026) — Recognizing years of exceptional leadership, countless lives changed, and relentless dedication to Austin students and families, St. Michael’s Prep Head of School Colleen Lynch was recently honored as a 2026 Austin Business Journal Women in Business Awards recipient.
The annual awards program honors outstanding women in Central Texas who have forged their own paths and developed distinctive approaches to leadership. Honorees are recognized as inspirational women who have overcome obstacles, solved complex challenges, thought creatively, mentored young talent, and made a meaningful impact within their organizations and community.
Since beginning her career as an educator in 1992, Lynch has transformed countless lives through her leadership, inspiring teachers, students, and parents alike. At the heart of her leadership is a deep belief in the dignity of every individual student and the responsibility of schools to know, challenge, and support each child as they discover their capacity to make a difference in the world.
“At St. Michael’s Prep, we are more than a school,” said Head of School Colleen Lynch. “We are a force for good, a community of purpose, and a beacon of Catholic education in Austin and beyond. Rooted in our core values of Integrity, Courage, and Excellence, we are committed to forming students who think deeply, act justly, lead humbly, and serve joyfully. In my role as Head of School, I have the privilege of serving alongside our faculty and staff to ensure our mission, while encouraging success, confidence, and a lifelong passion for learning in each of our Warriors.”
Lynch leads with a strong combination of strategic vision, humility, and heart. Her approach to leadership begins with a simple but powerful conviction: every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be seen, supported, and challenged to grow. That belief shapes how she leads her school, develops and mentors colleagues, and builds a community committed to preparing students not only for academic success, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.
Lynch’s recognition as a 2026 Women in Business Award recipient celebrates both her individual leadership and the broader impact of a career devoted to education. Her commitment to forming confident, compassionate, lifelong learners continues to inspire the St. Michael’s Prep community and advance its mission to ensure every Warrior is #PreppedforLife.
About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School
St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades pre-K-12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity.
Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics.
For more information, visit the school website.
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