Bellarmine College Prep names new principal
Neighborhood Notes
ROSE GARDEN>>Roderick D. “Rod” Jemison has been named principal of Bellarmine College Preparatory, effective in July.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have Mr. Jemison become Bellarmine’s next principal,” Bellarmine president Chris Meyercord said in a statement. “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), where he currently serves as adviser, Jemison’s career in education includes experience as Upper School director, Upper School dean of students and teacher at La Jolla Country Day School and teaching positions in Ross, CA, Nashville and Miyagi, Japan.
“Being named principal at Bellarmine is definitely the highlight of my professional career,” said Jemison in a statement.
A graduate of Tennessee State University, where he received his master’s degree in literature, and of Morehouse College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Jemison also studied at the University of Essex during his junior year.
As co-chair of the 2010 National Association of Independent Schools People of Color and Student Diversity Leadership Conference, he created and led the implementation of a strategic plan to address issues of diversity involving students, parents, faculty and staff.
After a nationwide search for a new principal, nearly 100 people participated in the interview process, led by Bellarmine’s Principal Search Committee. Jemison replaces Dr. Sonya Arriola, who will continue working on strategic initiatives for the school.