Change begins at the top for the Academy of Mount St. Ursula in Bedford Park. With new appointees to the positions of president and principal, two new faces will be given their opportunity to shape the next chapter of the 153-year history of the all-girls catholic high school.

Fr. John Vigilanti, taking over as school president, culminates an almost 25-year association with both the Ursuline Sisters and their Bronx school. A longtime educator, Vigilanti began teaching part-time at the school in 1984. His teaching career at the Academy continued for nine years before the Diocese transferred him to another location. But in returning to Mount St. Ursula, Vigilanti “brings a visionary leadership that embraces the traditions of this unique institution,” the Academy said in a statement.

The new principal, Dr. Joseph S. Fusco, comes to the Mount by way of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey. Fusco, who was principal at the all-boys school from 1994 to 2006, brings nearly two decades of education administration experience to the Bedford Park school. “It is our goal to ensure that the young ladies gain the skills that will make them successful, confident contributing members of society,” the principal said in a letter to parents earlier this year.

The two new administrators will be available to meet with the public during the school’s upcoming fall open house on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.