Loyola Marymount University is honoring Dr. Kevin Baxter’s contributions to Catholic education with the 2015 Educator of the Year Award. The recognition comes as Baxter is appointed the director and superintendent of the archdiocese’s Catholic schools. He will begin his new role July 1.

In the new position, Baxter will be responsible for the growth and development of Catholic education for students in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

Baxter has decades of experience in Catholic education and school management, which includes acting as the superintendent for the archdiocese’s elementary schools, acting as principal at American Martyrs School and acting as principal at St. Columbkille School.

Baxter holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University, where he has been a part-time faculty member since 2002. Baxter graduated with a Major in English and Minor in Communications from Villanova University.

His academic research includes a focus in financial and human resource management and a focus on successful ways to include students with special needs in the Catholic education program. He authored “Changing the Ending,” a book about innovative approaches to Catholic education.

Dr. Baxter lives in Hermosa Beach with his wife Kim and their six children.