Giving
Transformational Giving
In the past decade, generous support from our donors has led to phenomenal growth in the School of Education endowment.
At our 50-year mark, our endowment had just topped $2 million. At the close of FY25, that fund stood at more than $11 million.
Growing the endowment means growing an important source of direct support for our students and faculty. In the past decade, we’ve gone from receiving an annual payout of under $100,000 to now over $500,000.
$1.5 million gift creates endowed chair to support teacher preparation
A $1.5 million gift established the Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice, an endowed position that supports the School of Education’s mission of meeting the urgent need for highly trained teachers in Virginia.
Kim McKnight, Ph.D., director of the school’s Center for Teacher Leadership and assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, was named the inaugural Schaberg Chair of Practice.
In the role, McKnight provides leadership to the RTR Teacher Residency program in the Center for Teacher Leadership by helping to cultivate and maintain relationships among the School of Education and school divisions; ensuring tight integration between curriculum and clinical experiences; and seeking and acquiring funding from state, federal and private sources to support teacher residents.
“This incredible investment marks a significant milestone for the future of teacher recruitment, preparation and retention in the commonwealth,” McKnight said.
Foundation augments earlier investments
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In June 2025, the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation continued its strong financial support of the School of Education with three gifts worth more than $1.9 million:
- A $1.5 million will create a fund to ensure the long-term sustainability of the RTR program through critical staffing and infrastructure. The gift represents the foundation’s commitment to quality teacher preparation and retention in high-needs Richmond Public Schools.
- Another $250,000 gift provides immediate funds for the RTR program.
- A $160,000 gift to the New Teacher Support Program will support its mission to provide mentorship, leadership development and critical resources that help educators succeed during their first three years in the classroom.
Wright Invests in Future with VCU Leadership Coaching Lab
Thanks to a generous gift from Mary Ann Wright, Ph.D., (M.Ed.’84, Ph.D.’97), the new Leadership Coaching Lab – with its unique focus on cultivating strong, resilient and visionary leaders in education and beyond – is set to make a significant impact.
“In today’s fast-changing world, leadership isn’t just about managing responsibilities: It’s about navigating complexity, inspiring teams and driving meaningful change. Yet, leaders often lack the structured support needed to grow with intention. That’s where coaching comes in,” said Whitney Newcomb, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, where the lab is housed.
Wright has been a dedicated supporter of the VCU School of Education and other university areas for many years. At the School of Education, she established an endowed scholarship, is a proud member of the Heritage Society, and has provided leadership as Chair of the school’s Advancement Council.