VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education is marking its 50th anniversary during the 2014-2015 academic year with special events, guest lectures and fundraising for the 50th Anniversary Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to students committed to furthering the school’s legacy of urban education improvement.

“Over the past 50 years, VCU’s School of Education has emerged as a state and national leader in education and school-based scholarship, because we combine research-based curriculum and innovative teaching with real-life learning experiences,” said Christine Walther-Thomas, Ph.D., dean of the school. “We work closely with our school and community partners to ensure our graduates have the professional knowledge and skills needed to be successful.”

VCU School of Education faculty members focus their teaching, research and service efforts on schools and communities that are challenged learning environments because of the complexities of poverty, language, racial and culture differences, disability and other contributing factors. Many of the school’s research-based teaching and learning programs also have effective application in suburban and rural settings that serve diverse learners.

During this anniversary year, the school is hosting a number of special events, many of which are free and the public is encouraged to attend. The yearlong celebration kicks off with a reception Tuesday, Sept. 23, at The Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St. in Richmond from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. During the reception, two displays focused on the history of public education in Virginia and VCU School of Education artifacts will be revealed. For more information and to register, contact (804) 828-3382 or email soe50@vcu.edu.

Other notable events include the Ruth Harris Lecture on Oct. 13, featuring internationally known paleontologist Jack Horner and a School of Education Alumni Service Awards reception on Oct. 24.

The School of Education comprises five academic departments, the Center for Sport Leadership, and eight research, development and training/technical assistance centers. The school offers 17 master’s degrees, nine doctoral degrees, and seven graduate certificate programs. It has graduated almost 20,000 students in its 50 years of existence.

For more information on the School of Education, visit http://www.soe.vcu.edu/.