Urban Community School
John Killings serves as the Dean of Middle School at Urban Community School, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for 168 middle school students through a restorative practice framework. Previously, John held the position of Program Manager III at Cleveland Clinic and has extensive experience in higher education administration, including roles such as Director at Case Western Reserve University, where responsibilities included developing programs for under-represented student populations. Additional positions include Interim Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Associate Director of Multicultural Leadership and Programming at Case Western Reserve University, as well as Assistant Director of Student Activities & Multicultural Programs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. John began a career in higher education at Bowling Green State University, where roles included Graduate Coordinator for Programs for Multicultural Affairs and Graduate Hall Director. John holds a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Black World Studies from Miami University.
Urban Community School
Urban Community School (UCS) strives to break social and economic barriers to success for Cleveland's near west side children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters’ tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of our students. UCS currently serves nearly 700 students from six weeks to 14 years old (8th grade). Our campus has grown with the addition of various partners. We are able to provide our students and families with wraparound services, serving the whole child. The UCS student body is representative of the eight neighborhoods we serve. Our students are 28% Hispanic, 27% White, 25% Multiracial, 19% Black or African American, and 1% Asian. The majority of children attending UCS are economically disadvantaged and approximately 75% qualify for the National School Lunch Program.