When Mike McGreevy packed up his beat-up Honda Accord and drove from Pittsburgh to Chicago with nothing but an air mattress and a dream, he didn’t realize he was on the road to a lifelong career in education. More than two decades later, he’s not only found his calling, he’s become engrained in a role that lets him impact hundreds of students every day.
Dean McGreevy wasn’t always planning to be an educator. In fact, his early career path was headed towards accounting.
“I was actually in business at the time in training to be a CPA working for PNC bank,” he said. But while tutoring at his hometown library and coaching eighth-grade basketball, something clicked.
“I thought ‘I really enjoy tutoring and coaching more than accounting.’ Next to the medical field and first responders, I have always felt teaching is the most honorable profession.” That realization set him on a new path.
McGreevy applied to graduate schools in Boston and Chicago, and when DePaul University accepted him first, he took a leap of faith. “I packed what I owned, it all fit in one car, a beat-up Honda Accord, and I drove to Chicago, found a one-room apartment in Lincoln Park, bought an air mattress and the rest was history. Twenty-one years later here I am.”
After teaching history for ten years, colleagues encouraged him to consider becoming a dean. At first, he wasn’t sure what the role even implied. “I didn’t even know what a dean was,” he admitted.
With guidance from a mentor, he pursued an administration degree and discovered the impact he could make outside the classroom. “All students want to do well, but they often need the expectations stated positively. My hope is that students will think twice because of the positive relationships I’ve built with them.”
His days now are unpredictable-but that’s part of the appeal. Some mornings he greets his students at the doors; others, he’s working through unexpected challenges. His three rules remain steady: “Show up, work hard, and be nice to people.”
The rewards, he says, are simple but powerful. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students live well. Also, getting the diplomas combined with seeing all student spirit in their activities, teams, and clubs.”
McGreevy hopes that above all, students see RMHS as a home away from home. “I want every student to feel welcome and safe here every day. Once those are in place, the sky is the limit for learning.”
Outside of school, he spends time with his seven year old son and five year old daughter, walking his dog, and hiking whenever possible. A fun fact? He’s left-handed and Pittsburgh born and raised.
When asked what advice he’d give to students, he doesn’t hesitate. “Life, at best, is hard for all of us, and some days are better than others. Resilience does not come easy. I always tell students to enjoy it all because time flies as you get older.”