NATCHEZ — Cathedral School’s new elementary principal and assistant administrator in Kimberly Burkley has a familiar face.

As a 1998 graduate of Cathedral, Burkley said working at the school is like coming home.

“It’s exciting to be a part of Cathedral again,” Burkley said. “They’ve added a middle school wing … but most of it is the same.”

Burkley said she grew up in Natchez and later pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi and graduate degree at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Before coming to Cathedral, Burkley worked in Concordia Parish Schools, both as a speech and language pathologist from 2005 until last year and as an administrative intern at Concordia Parish Academy for two years.

Burkley said she worked in education for nearly 13 years and enjoys helping students succeed.

“The thing that I like most is the opportunity to make a difference in children and students’ lives,” Burkley said.

Even though she worked across the river, Burkley said she never left Natchez. She commuted from Natchez each day and let her children go to her alma mater at Cathedral.

Burkley said most of her students and colleagues know her already as a friend or neighbor. As a professional, Burkley said she has great expectations for the more than 400 students in prekindergarten through fifth-grade at Cathedral who will be in her care this school year.

“I’m professional, focused on the academics of students and supportive of faculty and staff,” Burkley said. “Cathedral is an amazing school. As an elementary principal, I will maintain the positive culture and high expectations. I will be visible and available to parents, students and teachers, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the Cathedral family.”