Leadership
Kelli Feldman, Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Education; Ruth Harris Professor
Yaoying Xu, Ph.D.
Interim associate dean for academic affairs and graduate studies;
Professor of counseling and special education
Kamden Strunk, Ph.D.,
Interim associate dean for faculty affairs and development;
Professor of foundations of education
Tomika L. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Associate dean for student affairs;
Assistant professor of educational leadership
Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D.
Interim associate dean for research;
Professor of counseling and special education
Scott Stech, M.Ed., PMP, SHRM-CP
Executive director for finance and business administration
The VCU School of Education appreciates the interim leadership roles during 2024-25 of Kathleen M. Rudasill, Ph.D., Whitney S. Newcomb, Ph.D., and the leadership role of Luciana C. de Oliveira, Ph.D.
LEADERSHIP NEWS
Feldman appointed dean of VCU School of Education
In March, Kelli Feldman, Ph.D., joined the VCU School of Education as dean.
“I am honored to join Virginia Commonwealth University as the next dean of the School of Education. The impactful work of the talented faculty, staff and students who contribute to the school’s outstanding reputation is impressive,” Feldman said. “The commitment to student success, research and innovation, and shaping the future of our communities resonates with my own values and aspirations for the field of education.”
Feldman previously served as the associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs at the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences since 2015.
Ruch, former education dean and VCU provost, dies
Charles P. Ruch, Ph.D., former dean of the VCU School of Education and university provost of the university, died on Feb. 1 at the age of 86.
Ruch's 19-year tenure at VCU was marked by his transformative leadership. He served as associate dean of the School of Education from 1974-76, as dean of the school from 1977-85, and as provost and vice president of academic affairs for the university from 1985-93, shaping VCU’s trajectory as a leading public research university.
Rudasill appointed interim senior vice provost for faculty affairs
In May, Kathleen Rudasill, Ph.D., was named VCU’s interim senior vice provost for faculty affairs.
Rudasill has served as a dedicated faculty member and leader in the VCU School of Education since 2018. Her tenure includes roles as interim dean and senior associate dean, where she demonstrated visionary leadership, fiscal responsibility and a steadfast commitment to VCU’s core values.
In her new role, Rudasill works closely with faculty members across the university to ensure their voices are heard and integral to decision-making processes.
