Message from the Dean

Unlocking the transformative power of education

We are at a pivotal time in education that positions the VCU School of Education for our next chapter. Since joining the school in March, I have witnessed firsthand the energy, expertise and deep sense of purpose that define this community. Every day, our faculty, staff, students and partners reaffirm what I have long believed: Education is transformative and it unlocks potential, fuels progress and builds stronger communities.

I joined VCU because I saw how the School of Education is generating new knowledge, preparing future professionals for complex challenges, and shaping schools and communities for the better. While preparing future teachers and counselors remains central to our mission, our reach now extends far beyond schools. VCU has evolved into a foundation for future leaders, a place where students gain the tools to grow their organizations, inform policy and improve outcomes for all learners. Through pioneering research and bold innovation, we are reshaping education to empower our graduates to lead, inspire and transform lives.

The results of our collective efforts are already visible. Our faculty are securing significant levels of external research funding and tackling timely issues. Their work has positioned us among the top 15 public graduate schools of education in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report, with a top five national ranking for research expenditures per faculty member. These achievements underscore the quality, rigor and impact of our scholarship and our commitment to advancing knowledge that makes a real-world difference.

At the same time, our students remain the heart of our mission. They are passionate, resilient and deeply committed to shaping the future of education. We continue to remove barriers to their success, ensuring that aspiring teachers, counselors, advocates and leaders can complete their degrees and enter the field ready to make an immediate and lasting impact. Their stories remind us that the work we do today transforms lives for generations to come.

This year, we also mark an important milestone at VCU with the launch of Unlocking Potential: Campaign for the Future. This bold initiative invests in the promise of education by expanding access, advancing research and strengthening communities. The campaign will increase scholarships and completion grants, fund groundbreaking research, and strengthen faculty excellence through endowed awards and fellowships. 

As we look to the future, we are recalibrating our strategic plan to elevate interprofessional collaboration, enhance partnerships across campus and the Commonwealth, and strengthen the populations we serve. We will continue to lead with courage, creativity and purpose as we expand opportunities for innovation and ensure that our students have the tools and support they need to unlock their full potential. In these pages, you’ll see firsthand how our work is meeting these goals.