David Snyder ’89 Named Assistant Headmaster

Prior to David’s appointment, Michael Gallo has been performing the duties of both the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster since the fall of 2019, when he became The Prep’s first lay Headmaster.

“I have immense confidence in Dave’s leadership capacity, as he has thrived in every role he has held at The Prep,” stated Headmaster, Michael G. Gallo ’79. “Dave and I worked closely in his previous role as Dean of Academics, and his ability to collaborate across all departments to execute the mission and vision of our school will serve our community impeccably for years to come.”

Dave Snyder graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1989 and returned to teach in 1995 after earning his B.S. in Biology from the University of Scranton. He began as a Physical Science teacher and assistant soccer coach, later serving as a Faculty Senate member, Department Chair, Director of Educational Technology, STEM teacher, and most recently Dean of Academics, a position he assumed in 2023. He also earned a Master of Arts in Instructional Design & Technology from Seton Hall University in 2000.

Inducted into the SHP Hall of Fame in 2018, Dave has also received the Msgr. Michael E. Kelly ’57 Award (2004), Salvatore N. Caprio Award (2023), Fusco Family Award (2001, 2020), Msgr. Tuohy Award (2013), Thomas A. Reynolds Award (2025), and the Edison Innovation Award - "The Tommy"- issued by the Edison Innovation Foundation. He has been part of all five state soccer titles and was named National Assistant Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches in 2015.

“David has been a faithful Setonian for over 40 years and his experiences have granted him every perspective of our beloved school,” commented President, Msgr. Michael E. Kelly ’57. “He is an alumnus, teacher, coach, department chair, director, dean, and an alumni parent of his son Jack ’26, and all of these responsibilities have fueled his unparalleled dedication to our school and most recently to defining and contextualizing our school motto, Hazard Zet Forward.”

“It is an absolute honor to have been named Assistant Headmaster at The Prep,” said David Snyder ’89. “My dad used to say, “None of us is as smart as all of us,” and that quote has guided every important decision I have made at Seton Hall Prep. I have always relied on the expertise of our teachers and administrators because they are exceptional professionals. I look forward to continued collaboration with our president, Msgr. Michael E. Kelly, our Headmaster, Michael G. Gallo, and our Dean of Faculty, Lisa Sgaramella. I eagerly accept the responsibility to help lead the implementation of the school's strategic priorities, including our Hazard Zet Forward initiative, which I believe to be one of the most powerful educational objectives in the country.”

David Snyder officially began his tenure as Assistant Headmaster on July 1, 2026. For the current school year, he will maintain the responsibilities of the Dean of Academics. School leadership for the 2026-2027 school year also includes President, Msgr. Michael E. Kelly, Headmaster, Michael G. Gallo, Dean of Faculty, Lisa Sgaramella , and Assistant to the President, Fr. Bogumil Misiuk '08. 

Established in 1856, Seton Hall Preparatory School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school called to educate young men of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Firmly rooted in our Catholic identity and rich tradition, our mission is to foster the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth of our students. We do this in order to prepare them to meet the challenges of college and adulthood in a manner that embodies the values of spiritual awareness, academic excellence, personal maturity, and social responsibility with a particular emphasis on serving others.