Rachael Stover named director of admissions at St. Bernard Preparatory School

CULLMAN, Ala. – St. Bernard Preparatory School recently announced the appointment of Rachael Stover as its new director of admissions.

A Birmingham resident, Stover, the school said, brings a wealth of experience and passion for Catholic education to her new role, having been actively involved in Catholic schools across the country.

Though Stover is a Birmingham native, she and her family were living in Seattle, Washington, but they recently relocated to Alabama to be closer to aging parents. Since stepping into her role weeks ago, she has been actively welcoming families to St. Bernard and engaging with the broader community to promote the school’s mission and values.

Stover’s deep-rooted connection to Catholic education began early, having attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her dedication to faith-based learning continued through her involvement with St. Alphonsus in Seattle, Magnolia Girls School in Houston and Western Academy in Houston, where she served on the board and in volunteer positions.

“My parents gifted me a K-12 Catholic education, and it shaped me into the wife, mother, sister and daughter I am today,” said Stover. “Later, I studied marketing and logistics at Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which has further prepared me for this role.”

Stover has long held St. Bernard in high regard. “My father and mother would take my siblings and me on Saturday field trips to the Ave Maria Grotto at least once a year,” she shared. One of her most touching experiences with the school was helping her niece, Mary Ella Cockerham (PS’23), move into the dorms in 2019. Cockerham now attends Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

Committed to recruiting a diverse student body, Stover is focused on finding students who exhibit strong academic potential, positive character traits and intellectual curiosity. “St. Bernard sells itself,” she stated. “The students are happy, and they engage with one another throughout the day without the distraction of cell phones. I believe this creates an environment for authentic, lifelong friendships to develop.”

Looking ahead, Stover is eager to share the beauty of the St. Bernard campus with prospective students and families. “This is a holy place,” she said, “surrounded by the beauty of nature” that brings peace.

Stover and her husband of 20 years, Thomas, have two children, Oliver and Annie.

For more information about St. Bernard Preparatory School, visit www.stbernardprep.com.