VCU’s first dean of education, retired associate vice president for academic affairs, Arnold Fleshood dies

Arnold P. Fleshood, first dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education and a retired associate vice president for academic affairs, died on Monday, Jan. 29, at age 83.

Fleshood was dean from 1969 to 1973 and joined the school in1965, when it was the elementary education department of Richmond Professional Institute, now VCU.

Following his tenure as dean, he served the university as associate provost for academic affairs from 1974 to 1984.

First and foremost a teacher, Fleshood’s concern for the language arts curriculum was expressed in many ways. He increased the number of reading education faculty at VCU. He also was instrumental in developing the VCU Reading Center to serve college students and students in the Richmond metropolitan area who need assistance in improving their reading skills.

Fleshood earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in educational administration from Columbia University.

Upon his retirement, VCU established the Arnold P. Fleshood Scholarship. The endowed scholarship offers financial assistance to graduate students interested in reading education.

Contributions may be sent to the Arnold P. Fleshood Scholarship Fund, c/o Betsy Rossi, Director of Development, VCU School of Education, PO Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284-2020.

For more information on Dr. Fleshood, visit http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=
RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&%09s=1045855935091&c=MGArticle&cid=
1149192936911&path=%21obits.