Barbara Cole Barbara Cole, principal of St. John Neumann Catholic School in Columbia, South Carolina, was selected as one of the National Catholic Education Association's (NCEA) 2009 National Distinguished Principals

Cole was nominated by her Superintendent of the Diocese of Charleston, Sister Julia Hutchison, to the NCEA for consideration. Cole was then chosen as the 2009 Southeast Regional Principal of the Year by NCEA.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Cole held the position of principal at St. Mary's School in Westville, Illinois, and St. Anthony of Padua in Florence, S.C. previous to her present position at St. John Neumann Catholic School, which she has held for the past eight years.

On October 22 and 23, Cole will travel to Washington, D.C., for two days of activities planned to honor and bring recognition to the elementary and middle- level principals chosen by the states, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools.

Under her leadership, St. John Neumann Catholic School has received many honors and awards this past year. The school became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). They also received the Fidelity Award from the International Alliance of Invitational Education. Finally, SJN received the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon.

"Having a vision for your school is essential to the success of the school. When the vision is defined through the collaboration of all stake holders, and then shared, everyone knows the future path for your school," Cole said. "It truly 'takes a village' to have a successful school."

Cole and her husband. Nick, live in Columbia. He is the librarian at St. Joseph Catholic School in Columbia. They have two children and three grandsons.