After more than three decades of exceptional service, Dr. Dan Zoeller is set to retire from Trinity High School at the end of the 2025-26 school year, closing a remarkable chapter in Catholic education marked by innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student success.
A respected educator, visionary leader, and lifelong learner, Dr. Zoeller’s influence at Trinity has been nothing short of transformative. From his earliest days in the classroom to his years as principal, his career has reflected a deep belief in the power of education to form not just minds, but also faith and character.
Dr. Zoeller’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in strengthening Trinity’s academic excellence, student-centered culture, and national reputation for innovation. Serving as principal since 2004, he leaves behind a powerful legacy of educational leadership grounded in faith, character, and commitment to student success.
“Dr. Zoeller has been more than a principal—he has been a visionary, a mentor, and a champion for students,” said James Torra H’12, President of Trinity High School. “His impact on our school and community is immeasurable and will be felt for generations. The Trinity community has been blessed by his presence.”
From Classroom to Leadership
Dr. Zoeller began his journey at Trinity in 1991, bringing worldly experience in education and a passion for helping students. In his early years, he taught English, creative writing, religion, and film studies, while also coaching swimming, tennis, and golf, and moderating several student clubs. He was active in Trinity’s retreat program, working over 50 senior and underclassmen retreats, both as teacher and principal.
His energy, creativity, and care for students laid the foundation for the impactful career that followed.
From 1996 to 2000, as Chair of the English Department, Dr. Zoeller oversaw curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and the launch of Trinity’s first graduation portfolio requirement. His commitment to academic excellence and understanding of national and local learner goals and standards set the tone for what would become a hallmark of his future leadership.
Building Community Through Innovation
Appointed Activities Director in 2000, Dr. Zoeller undertook one of the most impactful projects of his career: the development of Trinity’s House System. Drawing on insights from his Fulbright Exchange experience in Great Britain, he led the design and implementation of a model that redefined student life at Trinity.
Today, the House System stands as a national model, promoting leadership, mentorship, and a deeper sense of community among students. Schools from across the country have since studied and adopted the Trinity model, a testament to his forward-thinking vision.
He has spoken on multiple occasions at both the NCEA and the House System Institute. He was the keynote speaker of the House Institute in 2024. Most recently, he traveled to Los Angeles in 2025 to share with Catholic schools his insights from his doctoral dissertation and Trinity’s nationally recognized house system, which enhances student belonging and leadership.
A Principal of Purpose
In 2004, Dr. Zoeller was named Principal of Trinity High School, a role he has served with distinction for more than two decades. His tenure as principal has been defined by meaningful growth, both in student opportunity and school culture.
Under his leadership, Trinity implemented a block schedule in 2012, expanding elective offerings, increasing academic rigor, and allowing for deeper engagement in the classroom. Over a four-year investigative process, he led a committee through an extensive process to develop and implement a new innovative daily schedule that allowed extended teaching blocks, enhanced core curriculum, increased planning time for faculty, and weekly advisory periods to help students manage the highest credit requirements in the state of Kentucky.
The results of this process speak for themselves. College acceptances and merit scholarships are at record-setting levels. Record numbers of students have been invited to the Governor’s Scholars Program and recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, due in large part to the academic culture and support systems Dr. Zoeller helped build, and the dedicated and talented faculty and staff he helped attract.
Most importantly, this innovative daily schedule opened new opportunities for faculty, increasing the essential skills students were learning. Hands-on, project-based learning is a daily occurrence, allowing students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills which prepare them for a successful future.
With a student-centered approach, Dr. Zoeller helped expand Advanced Placement access, introduced ACT prep classes, implemented Freshman Success and Senior Capstone courses, and encouraged Character Talks, all while enhancing holistic growth opportunities through service and retreats throughout the four-year experience.
He was also integral in the creation of Trinity’s current mission statement: “Trinity is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school, forming men of faith and men of character.”
Dr. Zoeller’s work also extended well beyond its walls. He developed student exchange programs with schools in Spain and Argentina, giving students the opportunity to grow as global citizens. He also encouraged international travel to several continents helping make the World Trinity’s classroom.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Zoeller’s contributions are woven into the fabric of Trinity High School. From the daily schedule to the school’s core values, from the House System to the culture of excellence and belonging he helped cultivate.
As we plan for his pending retirement, Trinity celebrates not just a career, but a calling devoted to forming young men of faith, character, who are prepared for a successful future.
“I am happy for Dr. Dan Zoeller as he prepares to step aside as Trinity’s principal next June. Thousands of students have benefitted from his masterful teaching. All have enjoyed the great advantages brought by the program and culture enhancements he led us to as Trinity’s longest-serving principal,” said Dr. Rob Mullen, Vice President for Mission.
Dr. Zoeller, on behalf of the countless students, families, faculty, and alumni whose lives you've impacted: thank you.
Your impact will continue to shape Trinity for generations to come.
A search for Trinity’s next principal is underway. The selection will be made in advance of the 2026-27 school year. For more information, please visit our website, trinityrocks.com.