Pearson College UWC, Canada’s School for the World, located on the unceded territory of the Sc’ianew First Nation near Victoria, this week appointed Jason McBride as President and Head of College, effective August 2023. “I’m honoured to be selected to lead Pearson College UWC into its next phase of global education towards peace and a sustainable future,” said McBride, current Head of School at IGB International School. Currently based in Malaysia, McBride brings more than 20 years of global educational leadership and intercultural understanding, including several years as Head of College at UWC Thailand, a sister school to Pearson. “The opportunity to lead international and independent schools around the world is a privilege,” he added. “The opportunity for me, as a Canadian, to return to Canada and support Pearson’s momentum, particularly in climate action learning, sustainability and Indigenous reconciliation, has me incredibly excited.” Following an extensive global search supported by a global leadership consulting firm and a committee of Pearson’s Board of Directors, each finalist candidate took part in a rigorous day of meetings with College advisory groups representing faculty, staff and students and intensive interviews with the Board committee. “We were fortunate to have had an amazing pool of candidates who expressed interest in leading Pearson,” said Gloria Metzger, who led the Board committee. “In the end, we felt Jason was most capable of taking the College forward as we implement our five-year Strategic Plan, Indigenous Reconciliation Plan and new Climate Action Leadership Diplomas.” “This is a promising time to be leading Pearson,” added Board Chair Anne McLellan. “Jason will be guiding us as we approach the College’s 50th anniversary in 2024-25 which will set the stage for the College’s next era.” “I look forward to getting to know and working with the students, the Board, alumni, supporters, and donors, as well as the College’s incredible faculty and staff,” said McBride. “I want to continue to build relationships with our neighbours on the Sc’ianew First Nation and throughout Metchosin and Greater Victoria.” McBride was born and raised in Toronto and received undergraduate degrees from McMaster University (B. Kin) and Queen’s University (B. Ed), before pursuing his master’s degree with Michigan State University and completing his Doctoral coursework at the University of Calgary (all but dissertation). He will be joining the campus community with his wife and two daughters, ages 11 and 13. Current President & Head Craig Davis, who announced earlier that he will be leaving the College for personal family reasons after this school year, will continue in his role to ensure a smooth leadership transition in summer 2023.
