William Bosher apppointed dean of VCU's School of Education

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND, Va. – Dr. William C. Bosher, Jr. has been appointed Dean of the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. His appointment follows a national search to fill the position.

"Dr. Bosher emerged as the frontrunner, with support from the faculty and administration, along with business and community constituents," said VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., in announcing the appointment. "He brings with him tremendous experience and expertise in the field of education."

Since 1998, Bosher has served as executive director of the Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute and Distinguished Professor of Education and Public Policy at VCU. Past positions also include superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia State Department of Education and Henrico County Public Schools superintendent.

"This is really an exciting opportunity. VCU and the School of Education are positioned well to build new bridges between higher education, state policy and the classroom," Bosher said. "It’s also an opportunity for us to build bridges within the university, providing training and scholarship for the public and private sector."

Bosher assumes his new position on July 10. His appointment is subject to the approval of VCU’s Board of Visitors, which meets August 2. He fills the position left vacant June 30, 2001 when Dr. John Oehler stepped down as dean of the school of education. Richard Rezba, Ph.D., has served since then as interim dean.

The VCU School of Education currently has 1,428 students majoring in education and 50 faculty.

Bosher has an Ed.D. in educational administration and supervision from the University of Virginia, a M.Ed. in counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.A. in English from the University of Richmond.