Jasonpaul McCarthy

Jasonpaul McCarthy is the executive director of Precollege Programs, where he oversees the college’s strategic vision for precollege curriculum, student experience, community partnerships, and pathway development across art, design, business, and technology. Since joining FIT, McCarthy has expanded academic offerings, strengthened instructional quality, advanced industry engagement, and played a key role in elevating the college’s outreach, visibility, and enrollment pipeline. He is an active contributor to collegewide initiatives, collaborating with Academic Affairs, Strategic Planning, Admissions, and External Relations to enhance access, equity, and early talent development.

Prior to FIT, McCarthy spent more than a decade in senior academic and creative leadership roles at top global institutions. As a founding member of WeDesign, he served as director of education, leading the development of academic programs from inception. He oversaw faculty recruitment, established diversified student recruitment channels, and built international partnerships across multiple regions. Under his leadership, WeDesign expanded its global reach and supported students in earning offers from more than 40 institutions worldwide, resulting in over $3 million in scholarships. McCarthy also launched the “Master Talks” series with industry leaders, including Julie Gilhart, Eva Kruse, and Cyrill Gutsch, and developed collaborations with Levi’s, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the United Nations.

At Parsons School of Design, McCarthy served as fashion design director, where he spearheaded the establishment of the BFA fashion design program in Paris and played a central role in launching the school’s global campus in France. His leadership strengthened the institution’s international presence, elevated program visibility, and contributed to year-over-year student recruitment growth. He ensured full academic alignment between the New York and Paris programs while adapting curriculum and pedagogy to suit the cultural and regional context of the European market. As director of the AAS fashion design and fashion communication programs in New York, McCarthy led curricular redesigns that resulted in successful reaccreditation from NASAD and the New York State Education Department. His teaching and leadership experience also includes roles at Tsinghua University, SCAD, RISD, and UCL.

Throughout his career, McCarthy has built a strong record of designing innovative academic programs; developing hybrid, online, and campus-based curricula; and cultivating industry partnerships that create meaningful learning experiences and new revenue opportunities. He has led sponsored collaborations with organizations including Kering, LVMH, Vogue, Parley for the Oceans, Thom Browne, Isabel Marant, and Elie Saab. In 2013, he was the founding member of Behno, an ethical fashion brand dedicated to improving factory standards and garment worker well-being—now recognized globally and supported by ambassador and investor Katrina Kaif.

A dedicated educator and mentor, McCarthy has taught across at the precollege, undergraduate, and graduate levels, guiding hundreds of students into careers in the creative industries. He teaches a diverse array of courses—ranging from wearable sculpture and deconstruction/reconstruction to designing through collage, collection development, and fashion futures—championing experimental and alternative design methodologies. His personal practice integrates collage-based processes and poetry as forms of creative inquiry, empathy, and reflection, shaping both his artistic work and his approach to teaching.

McCarthy earned his MA in fashion women's wear from the Royal College of Art in London. He continues to champion innovative, student-centered design education and remains committed to expanding access, strengthening global partnerships, and preparing the next generation of creative talent at FIT.