Welcome New Faculty and Staff!

Gonzaga is excited to welcome six new faculty and staff members to the community this year. Last week, they joined us on campus for a few days of orientation. They were introduced to the people, programs, traditions, and mission that make Gonzaga such a special place to work. We also have three new members of the Alumni Service Corps from the Class of 2022 joining us. Learn more about them by clicking here.

Teaching Faculty

Fr. Brendan Coffey, SJ

Religion Teacher | Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ

With an interdisciplinary background in literature, philosophy, and theology including degrees from Fordham University, Trinity College Dublin, and Santa Clara University, Father Coffee was ordained in 2024. His extensive high school teaching experience includes stops in Philadelphia, San Diego, New York City, and most recently at Fairfield College Prep. Driven by a deep passion for religious education, he loves exploring stories with his students that provoke fundamental questions about faith, purpose, and our relationship with the Creator. "Walking with our young men into the mystery of these questions is a passion and a privilege," he says.

Dr. Leopoldo González

Spanish Teacher | Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

Coming to Gonzaga with a foundation in Hispanic studies, Mr. González holds an MA from Syracuse University and both an MS and PhD in Spanish Literature and Cultural Studies from Georgetown University. Before moving to the United States in 2018 to pursue graduate studies, he worked as a professional journalist for a digital newspaper and a non-profit organization in Venezuela. His teaching career includes instructing Spanish at both Syracuse and Georgetown. He says, "I especially enjoy creating an engaging classroom where students feel comfortable participating, taking risks, and connecting with others through language."

Mr. Tucker Sowers

Mathematics Teacher | Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ

Mr. Sowers brings to Gonzaga lots of expertise in STEM education, having completed his undergraduate studies at Amherst College and graduate school at the University of Maryland. Over a 23 year career in education, he has taught at Cincinnati Country Day School, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, KIPP public charter schools, and the Holton-Arms School, where he spent 15 years and served in multiple leadership roles. "I love getting students excited about math by making the material interesting and connecting it to the real world," he says.

Mr. Marcos Tavara

Mathematics Teacher | Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Holding both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Catholic University, Mr. Tavara served as a teaching assistant for several advanced math courses during his graduate studies. He enjoys witnessing the exact moment a challenging concept clicks for a student, helping them build newfound confidence in their problem-solving abilities. "I hope to instill an appreciation for math into the students while also helping them deepen their relationship with God each day," he says.

Staff

Mr. Jibri McLean

Assistant Dean of Students | Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Mr. McLean joins Gonzaga with a BS from Kenyon College and an MS in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. In 2017, he began his career as a Foreman Fellow at Gilman School in Baltimore, MD - his high school alma mater. During his graduate studies, he taught middle school history and served as an upper school counselor. As an alumnus of an all-boys high school himself, he says, "Gonzaga reminds me of the best parts of my own school experience, and I am excited for the opportunity to help create that same sense of belonging, growth, and brotherhood for our students."

Dr. Rhonda Owens

Director of Human Resources | Hometown: Chicago, IL
With a BA and MA from Northeastern Illinois University and an EdD from Argosy University, Dr. Owens brings to Gonzaga a deep expertise in organizational leadership and human resources. Her professional journey is rooted in higher education HR and operations, having previously served as the Senior and Executive Director of HR Operations for both Rush University and the University of Chicago. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct instructor for the Rush College of Health Sciences, where she teaches Leadership Theory and Practice. "I am passionate about creating healthy work environments and world-class workplace cultures," she says. "I am excited to establish the Human Resources office so that Gonzaga can continue to flourish."

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