Mike Buell never viewed Catholic education as a career. He embraced it as a vocation of service. That perspective shaped every decision he made during his 27 years as superintendent of Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) and more than three decades in Catholic education.
Whether celebrating academic success, comforting families in crisis or leading major building projects, Mike consistently focused on one mission: bringing people closer to Jesus Christ.
As he retires, gratitude fills his heart.
“I am filled with joy and a smidge of sadness,” Mike says. “The joy comes from witnessing God's love poured out through students, teachers, priests and families over nearly 30 years. The sadness comes from leaving a vocation that I have absolutely loved.”
For Mike, the story began long before he accepted the superintendent's position. Four generations of his family attended GTACS. When his brother, Greg, died at a young age, the Catholic community surrounded his family with compassion and prayer. Those experiences planted the seeds of a lifelong desire to give back.
“The opportunity to give was a beautiful blessing,” he says. “I still recall walking into my first board meeting. Rather than feeling confident, I felt humbled by the responsibility God had entrusted to me—a very flawed man was asked to care for his children,” he recalls.
That humility remained the foundation of his leadership. Before coming to Traverse City, Mike served at Manistee Catholic Central, where he learned lessons that shaped his approach for the rest of his career. Working closely with families taught him patience, compassion and a deeper understanding of the unique dignity of every child.
“I learned about Christ's role in leadership,” he offers. “That experience helped shape me into the leader I retired as because leadership never meant standing above others; it meant walking beside them in faith.”
Bringing Jesus to the Children
During Mike’s tenure, GTACS experienced remarkable growth. Students earned prestigious scholarships, academic achievement reached new heights and new facilities strengthened the educational mission. The construction of the new Immaculate Conception Elementary School and the continued renewal of St. Francis High School stand as visible reminders of those years.
Yet when Mike reflects on his accomplishments, he rarely begins with buildings or test scores.
“My first commitment has always been to Jesus Christ and bringing his love to the children who I'm charged with caring for,” he says.
“That commitment shaped the culture of every school. Daily prayer, frequent Mass, eucharistic adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and devotion to the Blessed Mother became ordinary parts of student life,” he reflects. Mike refers to those practices as the true strength of Catholic education because they form disciples.
“I watched students willingly stop inside school chapels for silent prayer before classes. I witnessed young people pray the rosary together, participate in Bible studies and approach confession with sincerity,” Mike recalls. Those moments convinced him that Catholic schools remain uniquely positioned to prepare young people for both this life and eternal life.
Mike also witnessed the extraordinary power of community. “I remember the prayers that surrounded my family when my newborn son required emergency medical care,” Mike reflects.
"We don't do anything alone; we do it with God.
“These experiences reinforced what I had always believed. Catholic education flourishes because people carry one another through moments of joy and suffering with unwavering faith,” articulates Mike.
He also points to the arrival of four Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia as one of God's greatest blessings for GTACS. Their joyful witness, faithful teaching and love for students strengthened the Catholic identity of every campus while inspiring countless young people to pursue holiness.
Leaving a Legacy of Joy
Perhaps the greatest testimony to Mike’s leadership came during his own battle with neurosarcoidosis.
“As my physical health declined, prayers poured in from every corner of the Catholic community. Students, retired parishioners, faculty, priests and families interceded for me daily. Their love transformed not only my circumstances but also my heart,” Mike passionately offers.
“My body may be broken, but my soul is healthy,” he says. “I owe that to God and the disciples he placed in my path.”
Mike says that suffering became an unexpected gift because it taught him to be completely dependent on God. Success had never required that kind of surrender: illness did.
“It took my illness to really have me surrender my life to him,” he says.
Even after decades of leadership, Mike continues to credit others before himself. He expresses deep gratitude for faithful mentors, supportive bishops, devoted priests, generous teachers, committed parents and colleagues who shared his mission. He insists that every accomplishment resulted from God's grace working through faithful people.
His joyful spirit reflects the culture he hopes will continue long after his retirement. Mike believes young people need adults who radiate authentic Christian joy while confidently witnessing to the Gospel in a world searching for hope.
His final message reflects the same servant heart that guided his vocation for more than 30 years.
“Take Jesus seriously, not yourself,” he says. “The world is counting on you.”
Mike Buell's legacy will not simply be measured by schools built, programs expanded or awards earned. His greatest contribution is far more enduring. Through humble service, steadfast faith and joyful leadership, he helped form generations of young disciples whose lives continue to bear witness to God. That is the lasting beauty of a life poured out in service.
