VCU School of Education dean recognized for contributions to public school education

By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. – William C. Bosher, Jr., Ed.D., dean of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education, recently received the Frank E. Flora Lamp of Knowledge Award.

Bosher was nominated and selected by unanimous vote of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) Board of Directors. The award is presented only in years when the VASSP determines that an educator is worthy of being recognized for outstanding contributions in the field of public school education in Virginia.

"The association always looks at numerous leadership qualities when nominating educators for this award, and Bosher's leadership experience and background in education clearly qualified him," said Randy Barrack, VASSP executive director.

The award is named in honor of the late Frank E. Flora, one of Virginia's best-known district superintendents in the 1960s and early 1970s, who later became executive director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and a professor at the University of Virginia.

"It is always wonderful to be recognized by your peers," said Bosher. "The principalship is perhaps the most challenging leadership role in education today, and I am grateful to be remembered by those who serve as well as in memory of Frank Flora, a teacher and friend."

Founded in 1906, VASSP is the statewide advocacy and outreach professional organization for school principals and assistant principals. The organization's purpose is to assist school principals and assistant principals in providing leadership to their schools and communities for the purpose of improving the education of Virginia's youth.

A distinguished professor of VCU's School of Education and Center for Public Policy, Bosher received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Richmond, his Master's in Education in education counseling from VCU and his Doctor of Education in education administration from the University of Virginia. A resident of Hanover County, Va., his background in public school education has included positions as teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, and state superintendent for public instruction. He was appointed dean of VCU's School of Education in 2002.