On Monday, May 6, Xavier College Preparatory announced that principal Sister Joanie Nuckols would not be returning next school year. Her health has left her to reside in Iowa. “Your prayers have strengthened me and helped me work on my therapy and recovery.”
In her letter, Nuckols expressed her gratitude toward her doctors at Mount Carmel Bluffs, the students and the opportunities Xavier has given her.
Sister Joan Fitzgerald, president of Xavier, says, “She was an excellent teacher who loved history and a great tour guide when we traveled. We both shared a love for sports and travel.”
Nuckols started working at Xavier in 1974 and became principal in 2016. Beyond that, she coached freshman basketball, was a moderator of the yearbook, served as a campus minister, and acted as curriculum coordinator.
Tara Metzger, assistant to Nuckols, says, “Sister Joanie Nuckols is like family. When you work with someone every day for many years you inevitably become close.”
Metzger recalls that Nuckols and Metzger’s son Robert made a deal over the years. Every quarter he would bring his report card to her and for every “A” he received she paid him $10 and for every “B” she gave him $5. If he received a “C” he had to pay her. Thankfully for him, Metzger added, that never happened.
“We miss hearing her laugh and seeing her around campus on her Zappy. We love and miss her,” Metzger said.
Nuckols dedicated 43 years of service to Xavier. She taught students, helped coordinate Masses, mentored faculty and staff, and helped build the dual enrollment program with Rio Salado College beginning in 1987.
Sister Lynn Winsor, vice principal and athletic director, has known Nuckols since 1967. They met at Mount Carmel, the spiritual home of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and began working together at Xavier in 1974. “I would like the Xavier community to know that Sister Joanie truly loves Xavier and she has worked hard to provide many opportunities for excellent young women,” Winsor added.
“The Xavier community is so very special and I miss you all very much. I also know God is with me and will continue to guide and assist me as I strive to get better,” Nuckols stated.
