As Marquette Catholic High School’s enrollment continues to blossom, so will its leadership team. Set to embark on its 140th year of delivering Catholic education, Marquette announced the addition of Michelle Tarnow as assistant principal on Wednesday. Kristen Edson, who has served as mathematics instructor and attendance director across her eight-year tenure on 10th Street, will assume the role of dean of students.

“Michelle brings a depth of experience and expertise that extends well beyond the classroom. Her commitment to Catholic education, combined with her genuine passion for Marquette, makes her an outstanding addition to the MQT community. Her collaborative leadership, dedication to building meaningful relationships, and unwavering focus on student success will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our mission,” principal Katie Collignon said.

Tarnow arrives with a wealth of knowledge and proficiency, having launched her career in education in 1994 at St. Catherine of Siena, a Catholic Diocese of Gary school that previously served the Hammond community. An accomplished teacher and administrator with more than 30 years of experience in Indiana schools, Tarnow has built a distinguished career centered on academic excellence, instructional leadership, and fostering positive school cultures. She most recently led Knox Community Elementary School as principal from 2018-2026. 

Throughout her career, Tarnow has consistently demonstrated a commitment to data-driven decision-making, professional development, and collaborative leadership. As both an assistant principal and literacy coach, she developed and led professional learning communities, established intervention programs that significantly reduced student failure rates, authored and presented statewide instructional workshops, and secured and partnered with community organizations to address attendance, literacy, and student well-being.

A product of Catholic schools and a graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and a master's in administration with licensure from Purdue University Calumet, Tarnow recently earned her PK-12 English Learner (ENL) Certification. She is a graduate of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute, a school safety specialist, an AdvancED reviewer, and an active member of the Indiana Association of School Principals. A familiar face around the school community, Tarnow has served as president of Marquette’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction since 2021.

Edson has been elevated to dean of students as she begins her ninth year at Marquette. During her tenure, Edson has been instrumental in overseeing the school’s state reporting and student attendance while maintaining a stringent class load. 

Her influence beyond the classroom increased during the 2025-2026 academic year, when Collignon appointed her as attendance director. 

“Kristen has been an invaluable member of the Marquette community throughout my tenure as principal. Her attention to detail, commitment to our students and staff, and steadfast dedication to MQT’s mission have made her an integral part of our school. A gifted educator and trusted colleague, Kristen consistently works behind the scenes to ensure the success of countless initiatives, and her expanded role is a natural reflection of the impact she has on our community,” Collignon said.

Marquette will welcome students back to campus for the first day of school on Friday, August 14th. The school will open the 2026-2027 academic year with an enrollment north of 300 students for the first time in a decade.