WESTWOOD -- Xaverian Brothers High School announced last week that Jacob Conca will succeed Domenic Lalli as principal effective July 1.

An Attleboro native and 1994 graduate of the school, Conca was a member of the National Honor Society, football, swimming and track teams while at Xaverian. After graduating from Amherst College, he received his master's degree in education from Providence College and his Ph.D. from Boston College. His teaching and coaching experience includes middle school and high school.

"Dr. Conca's strong academic background, administrative experience and his understanding and support for Xaverian's unique mission make him well-suited to be our next principal," said Headmaster Brother Daniel Skala, CFX.

"Dr. Conca is the ideal leader and we are grateful that he's agreed to come home. He has the knowledge, experience and commitment to build on Mr. Lalli's legacy and on the excellence and momentum that is carrying the school forward. With his leadership, everything we value about our beloved school will be preserved and enhanced."

Recent enhancements to Xaverian include a state-of-the-art Scholastic and Wellness Center, cutting-edge athletic fields, a new collegiate inspired academic wing featuring two advanced science labs, and an innovative program for students in grades 7 and 8. All these improvements are supported, in part, through the success of the Called to Lead: Campaign for Xaverian, which has raised more than $19 million to date.

Prior to his current role as principal of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Conca served as dean of students at Xaverian from 2003-2007.

"I very much consider my Xaverian education a gift," said Conca. "It helped make me the person I am today. To be able to come back to Xaverian and share that gift with current students is an honor. I am looking forward to coming home."

Conca said he is impressed with all of the improvements to the campus and school programs.

"Having a unified program for grades 7-12 offers tremendous possibilities for curriculum alignment and expanded academics," Conca said. "Xaverian is a forward thinking school in its planning for the future. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of a school like Xaverian."

Conca currently resides in Grafton with his wife Elizabeth, and their three daughters.