VCU news

By Anne Buckley

Christine S. Walther-Thomas, Ph.D., has been named dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, effective June 15. She currently leads the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas, the No. 1-ranked special education public graduate program in the country.

"I am delighted to have Dr. Walther-Thomas join our leadership team at VCU. She is widely known for her advocacy in influencing legislation that advances best practices in education for all children and quality preparation of teachers, university faculty and field researchers,” said Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., VCU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I look forward to working with Dr. Walther-Thomas as the VCU School of Education continues to press forward as a leader in the preparation of school professionals and research that informs best practices in education."

Walther-Thomas, department chair and professor of special education at Kansas, has research and teaching interests that include teacher education, systems change and distributed leadership, and future faculty development. The Kansas program holds the No. 1 US News and World Report ranking among special education public graduate programs.

As a principal investigator, she has received more than $13 million in state and federal grant awards for research, personnel development and training/technical assistance to Virginia schools, and she is the author of more than 50 articles, book chapters and technical reports.

"Dr. Walther-Thomas brings a distinguished academic and research profile to VCU, and her addition is another step toward our recognition as a premier national research university," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. "Dr. Walther-Thomas is widely recognized for her ability to support the advancement of field-based research, development funding and active community engagement. She adds to our demonstrated commitment to excellence in every way. "

Walther-Thomas’ expertise has been recognized through her work with many national and international organizations. She has served as president of the Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division, the Council for Learning Disabilities and the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with the outstanding VCU School of Education faculty, staff and students,” she said. “The School is a learning community rich with human talent, passion and professional commitment. Together we will take a great school to the next level of excellence in terms of professional preparation, community engagement and research-based practice that improves the lives and learning opportunities of children and adults.”

Walther-Thomas received her undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Utah. She received her Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas and joined the faculty in 2003. She previously served on the School of Education faculty at The College of William and Mary and at the University of Utah.