Chaminade Julienne is pleased to announce that Matt Girardin will serve as director of student development, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Girardin served as the interim dean of students during the 2025-2026 school year and began enriching the CJ community through his work maintaining and upholding the rules and regulations in CJ’s student handbook.
“The Office of Student Services (OSS) focuses on increasing student accountability across the board,” said Girardin. “This year myself and my team worked to reduce tardies, cut down on cell phone usage in school, and enforce dress code standards. I’m looking forward to continuing these initiatives in my new role. I have sought out and received some great suggestions from students, faculty, and staff as we move into next year.”
Next year, Girardin plans to continue the progress started this year and expand the teams focus to more heavily include the school culture component.
“My goal is for students to have the best experience possible while at school. CJ is such a great place, and my vision is to continue to grow the student culture, and not just with attendance and discipline,” said Girardin.
“I look forward to watching Matt continue the success and momentum he has built with our students and our community this school year,” said Greg Mueller, principal. “I’m also excited to continue to work with him on the Educational Leadership Team.”
Girardin sees his previous role as dean of students as more of a disciplinary figure whereas the director of student development encompasses a broader role in which he sees himself as a community builder. In this position, he will work with student activities, athletics and other areas of the school in an advisory role.
“In my time as a teacher, coach, or administrator, I’ve always strived to create a positive culture that is nurturing, inclusive, and purpose-driven,” said Girardin. “I want a sense of community to be something that permeates every aspect of the school. My goal is to tie everything related to the overall culture of the school together so that different areas can communicate more efficiently and all the different organizations can work together smoothly.”
Girardin will formally begin his new role on May 30, after completing this school year as interim dean of students.
Girardin grew up in Mission Viejo, California. He is proud to be born and raised in Southern California. He first came to the Midwest when he enrolled at the University of Michigan as an undergraduate, often seen wearing his maize and blue during spirit week at CJ the past year. Girardin graduated cum laude with honors from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
“I first started teaching in Southern California in 1993,” said Girardin. “Since then, I have been working in high schools in California, Kentucky, and now Ohio. I also spent several years working at the college level, coaching track and field, and also worked in admissions.”
Along the way, Girardin earned his Master of Education with an emphasis in Cross-Cultural Education. He returned to the midwest from California in 2023 when his wife was offered a job at the University of Dayton, her alma mater. Girardin was working as the assistant director of admission/athletic liaison at Wittenberg University before accepting the interim dean of students position at CJ.
Reflecting on his first year, Girardin stated that he loves working at CJ and is looking forward to his second school year.
“CJ is a great place,” said Girardin. “I love the students and the overall community. I am super excited to continue and hopefully help everyone further all the hard work that the CJ community does day in and day out.”