Bishop Earl K. Fernandes announced the launch of ICLE’s Episcopal Advisory Board at the National Conference with Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens (L) and Bishop James D. Conley (R) standing in support on stage.
Columbus, OH, July 16, 2026 — At the 14th Annual National Conference of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), the official launch of a new Episcopal Advisory Board was revealed with much excitement. The announcement was made on the evening of Thursday, July 16, during the conference’s Convivial Banquet, signaling a major milestone for the Catholic liberal arts movement. It represents a strategic step forward as demand for ICLE’s renewal programs for Catholic schools continues to grow nationwide and beyond.
The newly formed advisory board is the culmination of tireless and generous work by the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, the Most Reverend James D. Conley, and the Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, all supporters of ICLE and champions of Catholic education. Drawing upon the bishops’ deep experience, wisdom, and pastoral insights, this strategic board will provide an enormous boost to ICLE’s mission, enhance its institutional credibility, and strengthen its philanthropic initiatives as demand for its Catholic education renewal programs reach growing demands and provide increasing impact.
This collaboration allows for deeper engagement between ICLE and dioceses across the country to plan for the future, respond to the requests for its services, and discern new ways to serve the Church.
Founding Board Members
The initial members of the Episcopal Advisory Board include:
- Archbishop Paul S. Coakley (Archdiocese of Oklahoma City), President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone (Archdiocese of San Francisco)
- Archbishop Alexander K. Sample (Archdiocese of Portland)
- Bishop James D. Conley (Diocese of Lincoln)
- Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens (Diocese of Crookston)
- Bishop Thomas A. Daly (Diocese of Spokane)
- Bishop Earl K. Fernandes (Diocese of Columbus)
In the Heart of the Church
“The establishment of this Episcopal Advisory Board shows that the Catholic liberal arts education movement is deep in the heart of the Church,” said Bishop Fernandes. “We want to propel this vital mission forward so that more schools can experience the joy, faith, and virtue that comes with reclaiming our heritage for the pursuit of full human flourishing in Jesus Christ. Many educators, clergy, educational leaders and students have already benefited tremendously through ICLE’s quality offerings, and we look forward to strengthening our diocesan relationships to serve the pressing needs of the Church.”
“We are deeply grateful for these shepherds who believe in our work and are lending their wisdom, support and leadership to guide our future,” added Danny Flynn, ICLE Vice President of School and Diocesan Relations. “This is an exciting opportunity for us because it deepens our relationships and fosters greater collaboration with bishops and dioceses across the country. This new advisory board will be instrumental as we scale our outreach to new dioceses and expand our formation to sustain this renewal.”
Stepping into the Light
The announcement took place in downtown Columbus, where more than 550 educators, clergy, and administrators gathered for ICLE’s annual conference July 14-17, 2026, themed “Stepping into the Light.” The presence of multiple bishops and numerous religious orders underscores how deeply the renewal of the Church’s intellectual tradition has resonated. Informed by the bishops’ insights, this collaboration will directly support Catholic educators and administrators who look to ICLE for immediate, practical tools to build thriving schools and communities of faith.
Diocese of Columbus Superintendent Adam Dufault, Ed.D., captured the very heart of this mission during his conference presentation, “Turning Toward the Light.” Renewing Catholic education, Dr. Dufault told educators, requires ensuring that every system, policy, and practice is geared toward Christ. For the Columbus Diocese, changing its vision has already brought a transformative change in school leadership.
“Our mission in renewal is that all of our activities and actions only matter if they point to Jesus Christ,” Dr. Dufault said. “Our bishop, Earl Fernandes, often states, ‘The participation of our students in the life of the Church is the marker of the success of our schools.’ This has become the foundation of our focus.”
A Commitment to Christ: Catholic Liberal Education
ICLE’s mission is meant to align all Catholic schools with Christ’s Church — particularly through the Catholic intellectual tradition — in order to draw students closer to Him. Catholic liberal education is the cultivation of faith and reason for full human flourishing.
| Published July 17, 2026. |