Cory Lehman, Class of 2008, Joins Central Catholic Staff

Central Catholic welcomes Cory Lehman from the Class of 2008 back to his alma mater as the new Director of Enrollment.  He joined the staff in the thick of preparations for our annual Open House on November 3.

“My favorite part about working with students is seeing them succeed,” he said.  “The admissions process is very unique because you see students at the beginning as they look at and choose the school.  But seeing them at the end as they walk across the stage and get their diploma after enjoying the experience they had is the ultimate goal.”

Lehman comes to Central Catholic after working as one of 10 admissions counselors at the University of Toledo.  He was responsible for 70 high schools locally and in southeast Michigan. Prior to that, he worked in admissions at Siena Heights University, where he had earned his undergraduate degree in K-12 special education and his master’s in educational leadership.

Lehman taught for one year in Swanton, and although he had a good experience, he felt like the classroom wasn’t where he was supposed to be.  He still wanted to work with students, so that’s what drove him to admissions. And coming back to Central Catholic was a way for him to pay it forward.

“A lot of people say that college was their greatest experience,” he explained.  “But mine was being at Central Catholic. The teachers and staff are here for you and truly care about you.  CCHS made me who I am today, and I wanted to give back to the students who are considering coming here. I can tell students it’s a good fit because there are so many people here that care about you academically, athletically, whatever you’re passionate about.  They really take care of your passions.”

Lehman comes from a large family with three generations of Central Catholic graduates.  He is related to the Bishops and the Laggers. When he was attending CCHS, he played basketball and baseball, and sports are still a big part of his life.  He loves to golf and is an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan.

Lehman and his wife, Jillian, have been married for nearly three years and have a daughter, Taylor (20 months), and a son, Leo (4 months).  The family enjoys camping, taking their French bulldog to outings at Toledo Metroparks, and being with family and friends.

As he settles into his new role, Lehman wants people to know that selling the school to potential students and families is really a group effort, and that it takes everybody in the building.

“Potential students see my department at the forefront, through events, Discovery Days, and Irish for a Day,” he said.  “But after they decide that Central Catholic is right for them and they register, they don’t see us. So faculty members and coaches and Glee Club directors reaching out - that’s important because those are the selling points that will make them want to come here.  Everyone needs to work together to get the students here, to take care of them while they’re here, and get them where they want to be.”