Alison Jobson Selected to Lead Columbia Union ECEC Department

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Starting July 1, Alison Jobson will start her new role as associate director for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Pre-K at the Columbia Union Conference in Columbia, Md. Since July 2016, Jobson has served as the elementary vice principal at Ohio Conference’s Spring Valley Academy (SVA) in Centerville.

“Alison brings to this position an outstanding record of scholarship and leadership,” says Donovan Ross, vice president for Education in the Columbia Union Conference. “She is committed to Seventh-day Christian Education, and will be a great addition to our team. … We look forward to her leadership as we continue to support the growth of our current ECEC programs and the opening of new centers.”

Though she started her career in public school, Jobson knew she eventually wanted to work in Adventist Education. In June 2005, she became the second-grade teacher at SVA. Since then she also served as third-grade teacher, Ohio Conference superintendent, an associate Superintendent of Education, a multi-grade teacher and finally a vice principal at SVA.

“I’m looking forward to serving with the Columbia Union Education team in order to support the educators in our wide community,” Jobson says. “High-quality Seventh-day Adventist Early Childhood Education and Care allows for current and future student success. These centers are where challenging and collaborative work and play skills are nurtured and developed. … [Adventist] ECEC is the first formal life-step from home. Families share their most valuable gift with us, and we partner with them in laying a firm foundation for college or career and ultimately productive, healthy and happy citizens.”

Jobson is the second person to serve as associate director for ECEC for the union. Evelyn Sullivan, who previously held the position, now works at the North American Division as director of Early Childhood Education.