In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, where tradition and faith intertwine, Pius X High School welcomes a new leader whose journey is as inspiring as the mission she now carries forward. Jennifer Tran, the newly appointed principal, brings with her a story rooted in faith, resilience, and a deep love for Catholic education.
PODCAST: Listen to Jennifer Tran’s story in her own words in the We Are Pius Podcast.
Jennifer’s path to leadership began in a small, hardworking Catholic family in northeast Nebraska. Raised in Columbus, she was a cradle Catholic whose upbringing was steeped in faith and industriousness. Her parents, both entrepreneurs—her mother an engineer—instilled in her a relentless work ethic and a devotion to the Church. Sundays were sacred, and missing Mass was a rarity. Her father’s leadership in faith left a lasting impression, shaping not only Jennifer but also her brothers into strong spiritual leaders.
From an early age, Jennifer knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her own struggles in school, particularly in the third grade, became the foundation of her calling. She was the student who stayed in during recess to finish assignments, but instead of feeling defeated, she found joy in the teachers who supported her.
“I want to be that for somebody else,” she recalled. That desire to serve and uplift others became the cornerstone of her vocation.
Initially, Jennifer planned to teach elementary school, believing she lacked the presence to manage high school students. But a missing English class in college reignited her passion for literature and led her to explore secondary education. A friend encouraged her to give it a try, and she never looked back. Her first teaching job was at Sacred Heart in Lincoln, a small Catholic school where she taught junior high English and literature. Though she had other offers, including one in Hastings, it was the close-knit community and the opportunity to stay near her then-fiancé, Koi, that drew her to Sacred Heart.
Jennifer’s journey through Catholic education is a testament to her adaptability and faith. After Sacred Heart, she joined Pius X as an English teacher, where she taught for three years. She then served as assistant principal at St. Peter’s for two years before becoming principal at Blessed Sacrament, a role she held for four years. Each step was guided by prayer and discernment, often requiring her to leave places and people she loved deeply.
“I’m not someone who thrives on change,” she admitted. “But I felt God pushing me to go where I was needed.”
That divine nudge led her back to Pius X, this time as principal—a dream she had long held but never imagined would come true so soon.
Her time at Blessed Sacrament was especially formative. As a first-time principal, Jennifer learned to lead by listening. Without a detailed manual or roadmap, she relied on feedback from staff and parents to shape the school’s direction. She discovered the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, nurturing with accountability, and faith with action. “Every relationship is complex,” she said, “but seeing everyone as an individual is what makes the difference.”
Jennifer’s leadership is deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. She has mentored religious sisters, modeled faith in action, and embraced the spiritual formation of both students and staff. Her decision to leave Blessed Sacrament was not easy, especially since her son was a student there. Watching him walk the halls, singing through the office window, was a daily joy. But with her husband’s encouragement, she recognized that letting go was part of the journey—both for her and for her son.
Now at Pius X, Jennifer is excited to return to high school education, where she can engage in deeper conversations and form lasting relationships with students. “Even a word or a phrase can make a big impression,” she said. “Older students understand the weight of what you’re saying.”
Her passion for students is evident in the stories she shares. One student, in particular, left a profound impact. Despite facing immense personal challenges, he was always smiling, always grateful. “You’d never guess what he was going through,” she said. “Those are the students I want to fight for.”
For Jennifer, every student is a soul worth nurturing, and every interaction is a chance for Christ to shine through. As she steps into her new role, Jennifer brings with her a wealth of experience, a heart full of faith, and a vision for the future. She’s had incredible mentors—Laura Canals, Sister Mary Michael, Father Moore—who have shaped her leadership style. But it’s her own journey, marked by humility, courage, and trust in God, that truly defines her.
In a lightning round of questions, Jennifer revealed more about the woman behind the title. Her favorite saint is Saint Julian, inspired by her middle child, Julien. Her go-to Bible verse is Psalm 56:4: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” She’s currently praying for the staff at both Blessed Sacrament and Pius X, recognizing the challenges and blessings of transition. Her hero? Her husband, Khoi, whom she calls her rock.
When asked what she wants the Thunderbolt community to know, Jennifer’s answer was simple yet profound: “I love every part of education. I love being a student, a teacher, a mentor, and an administrator. I have a great love for the Catholic community.”
And the best part about being a Thunderbolt? “It’s our faith that makes us stand out. That’s at the forefront of everything we do.”
As Pius X High School embarks on a new chapter, it does so with a leader who embodies its mission to restore all things in Christ. Jennifer Tran’s story is one of faith, formation, and a fierce commitment to Catholic education. And for the students, staff, and families of Pius X, her presence is a blessing—and a promise of great things to come.
