After a nationwide search and a very comprehensive process, Roderick D. “Rod” Jemison has accepted the offer to become the principal of Bellarmine College Preparatory, effective in July 2023.
In the announcement made to constituents on February 3, Bellarmine president Chris Meyercord noted, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have Mr. Jemison become Bellarmine’s next principal. He brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of high school work, and a deep desire to give back to his roots in Catholic education, which was so formative in his own life.”
As the founding head of school of United World College ISAK Japan (UWC ISAK Japan), at which he currently serves as advisor, Mr. Jemison’s career in education includes experience as Upper School director, Upper School dean of students, and teacher at La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla, California; and teaching positions at The Branson School in Ross, California (where he was also head varsity girls basketball coach, head varsity golf coach, and assistant varsity basketball coach); Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee (where he was also head junior high school football coach and assistant varsity basketball coach); and Kurikoma Junior High School in Miyagi, Japan.
“Being named principal at Bellarmine is definitely the highlight of my professional career,” said Mr. Jemison. “My family and I are thrilled by this wonderful opportunity; I am humbled and blessed to be in this position. Bellarmine is an amazing community, and I look forward to my future interactions with each and every Bell!”
A graduate of Tennessee State University, where he received his Master of Arts in Literature, and of Morehouse College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Mr. Jemison also studied at the University of Essex during his junior year. He was appointed national co-chair of the 2010 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color and Student Diversity Leadership Conference and created and led implementation of a strategic plan to address issues of diversity involving students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Andy Schatzman, chair of Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees, is enthusiastic about Mr. Jemison coming to Bellarmine, saying “During my meetings with Rod, I was impressed with his breadth of experience as a Catholic-educated teacher, administrator, coach, and genuine leader. His energy and positive demeanor were contagious. We are very lucky to have Rod Jemison at Bellarmine.”
“Mr. Jemison is a charismatic leader and the students, faculty and staff, and parents thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him when he was here last month,” noted Mr. Meyercord. “I firmly believe he will take our already excellent Catholic, Jesuit education to the next level.”
Nearly 100 people participated in the interview process, led by the Principal Search Committee, which helped to determine the school’s particular needs at this time, vetting the applicants for the position, interviewing the semi-finalists, and aiding in the discernment process that led to this final decision.
“Bellarmine has been tremendously blessed this year to have Dr. Sonya Arriola serving as our principal,” said Mr. Meyercord, adding, “She has done an amazing job in the role, and will return to her work on strategic initiatives for the school and helping to ensure a smooth transition for Mr. Jemison. We are very fortunate to have such talented educators who are deeply committed to our students and the fulfillment of our mission to help form a community that is ‘for and with others.’”