Joshua Hernandez Morse has been named head of school of Pacific Buddhist Academy by the academy’s board of trustees. PBA is an independent, fully accredited, four-year high school, that offers teens of all faiths a student-centered, college preparatory curriculum that integrates peace education and Buddhist values.
“The next five years are critical for PBA,” said Hernandez Morse. “We have so much momentum to build on — increasing enrollment, a major grant to our Capital Campaign. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead PBA, which has been a second home to me. I want to tell our story to as many people as possible so we can realize our dream of a new classroom building to grow into the future.”
“As a founding member of the school, Josh brings a comprehensive understanding of how Pacific Buddhist Academy began, where it is at present, and its tremendous potential for growth and expansion,” said Leigh-Ann Miyasato, chair of the Head of School Search Committee.
A native of Oregon, Hernandez Morse graduated from the University of Oregon where he received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing. A former Fulbright Scholar, Hernandez Morse was an previously an instructor at Parker School in Waimea, Hawai‘i. He joined PBA as an English teacher. He has since served a number of roles at PBA, including assistant Head of School, academic dean, athletic director, registrar, and, most recently, founder and director of the school’s PeaceBridge Project™, a program created to assist students in making successful transitions to college, the work force, and as engaged citizens and ambassadors of peace in their communities.
