Meet Principal David Pugh

Supporting a challenging academic tradition

Mr. David Pugh, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attended Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida and in 1991 received his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communications.  

David began his professional journey at Barry University’s student services department, where he worked as a career counselor, guiding college students toward career success. In addition to counseling, he taught college life skills and was a certified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Encouraged by his director and mentor, David transitioned to high school education, where his impact on adolescents was immediate and transformative.

In 1998, David joined Christopher Columbus High School, where he has dedicated the past 27 years to serving as a Marist Educator. His roles have included counselor, coach, teacher, Dean, and Principal. In June 2014, he was named the school’s 13th principal after six years as Assistant Principal and prior leadership as chairperson of the guidance department. During his tenure as chairperson, David also served as the NCAA Clearinghouse coordinator, Silver Knight Awards moderator, McKay Scholarship coordinator, and National Honor Society moderator, all while coaching baseball and football.

David holds two Master’s Degrees: one in mental health counseling from Barry University and another in educational leadership from St. Thomas University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 29 years and are proud parents of two children: Britney, a Barry University graduate, and David, a 2015 Columbus graduate and 2019 Thiel College graduate.