Austin Prep Appoints Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion

Advancing its continuing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Austin Preparatory School named Jaycob Morales as the School’s Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion. In this trailblazing role, Morales will build upon the School’s dedication to create an inclusive community where all students feel a sense of belonging while guided by the Augustinian virtues of veritas, unitas, and caritas, translated as truth, unity and love. Morales has been a part of the Austin Prep community for the last two years as an assistant boys basketball and football coach.

“As a member of the Austin Prep community the past two years, Jaycob has not only shown a commitment to our School mission, but ensured that inclusive learning opportunities are prevalent for our students,” Headmaster Dr. James Hickey, P'22, '23, '24 said. “I look forward to working closely with Jaycob as we continue our progress in making Austin Prep a leader on issues related to inclusion, equal opportunity and diversity.”

Morales will be working directly with students as a mentor, advisor, coach, teacher and leader of community outreach programs. Additionally, he will be responsible for collaborating with school leadership on topics such as community dialogue, aiding in the recruitment and retention of diverse candidates for the faculty, and a school-wide initiative to enhance the cultural competence of students, faculty, and staff. Morales will also assist in the admissions process by recruiting, welcoming, and supporting students and families from diverse backgrounds.

“Jaycob’s experience teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth in diverse populations distinguished him as an outstanding candidate,” stated Dr. William Driscoll, '89, Assistant Headmaster and Head of Upper School. “His interest in working with students as a coach and mentor, combined with his experience as a teacher, made it clear that he is the best choice for this position.”

A native of Lawrence, MA, Morales brings a lifelong passion for education to the Austin Prep campus, having recently served as a teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools. “I attended Catholic schools and I know that this experience provided me with the opportunities that helped me develop into the person I am today,” Morales said. “This role enables me to reach out to the families I know in the Greater Lawrence area and connect them with the opportunities available at Austin Prep.” 

Morales brings dynamic experience to this role because of the relationships he has forged through education and community youth and sports organizations. He specializes in creating partnerships with parents and community organizations to support students. In Lawrence Public Schools, Morales taught in the RISE Program which provides a safe and supportive environment which provides students access to resources such as vocational and workforce development training. Previously, he served as the Director of Sports and Wellness at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, where he led programming for individuals ranging in age from toddlers to adults. Morales also served as the Director of Operations for both the Summer Fun Program in Lawrence, and Rivals Basketball Organization, based in Reading. Morales focused on expanding learning opportunities by bringing together diverse communities, connecting individuals who are not likely to interact, and providing resources outside the classroom to help children understand the importance of values, a strong work ethic, and goal setting.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Hickey and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to continue and expand on my work as a part of the Austin Prep community,” Morales stated. “In this role, I not only will look to support a more diverse community, but more importantly, build on the unity I feel here to make sure that every student, faculty and staff member feels as welcomed, loved, and included as I have in this community.”

Morales, who is fluent in Spanish, received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wheaton College in 2016, and is a graduate of Central Catholic High School.