Four members of the Graduate Education faculty — Dr. Tom Shields, Dr. Kate Cassada, Dr. Dionne Ward and Dr. Dave Myers — co-presented Undergraduate Leadership Studies Curriculum and K-12 School Leader Development at the global meeting of the International Leadership Association in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Sandra Peart, Dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, chaired the panel.

The late John Miers, C’13, an SPCS Weekend College graduate inspired by his learning experience to become a research librarian, has been honored by New Mexico State University with a new scholarship in his name. The John & Teresa Miers Current Use Scholarship honors Miers’ dedication to continual learning, supporting students who have returned to university studies after a gap in their education.

LeKiesha White, GC’19, shared her experience using project-based learning to teach biology to English learners (EL) in a book published by ASCD. The book, Team Up, Speak Up, Fire Up! brings together research, best practices, and voices from educators to help teachers support ELs and their families. White earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in 2019 and teaches in Chesterfield County.

Jason Martin, C’13, currently serving as secretary of the SPCS Alumni Association Board of Directors, successfully completed a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security at Liberty University in December 2019. Martin earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2013 at SPCS.

Dustin Engels, GC’14, recently released his first book, Around the Worlds in 80 Days: One Fan’s Journey to Conquer Disney’s Magic Kingdoms. Engels earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 2014 with a focus on American popular culture. The book documents his travels from April-June 2018 to visit every Disney park in the world.

Slade Gormus, C’18, will lead UR’s collegiate recovery program using grant funds received from the state’s Department of Behavioral Health to establish programs to tackle substance abuse issues on campus. Gormus is a Registered Nurse who earned a BA in liberal arts through Weekend College. She is currently working to earn a Master of HR Management degree through SPCS.

Brian Peyton, C’09, Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 322 in Richmond, recently questioned U.S. presidential candidate Cory Booker about collective bargaining at the Teamsters Presidential Forum on Worker Issues on December 7, 2019. Peyton’s question and Booker’s response are captured in the recording of the event (start at 1:01:45). Peyton earned a BA in Liberal Arts through Weekend College.

Natasha Thomas, GC’19, was among recipients of a 2019 R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence. The awards, given by the Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation, recognize excellence in local public educators. Thomas teaches at Southampton Elementary School in Richmond Public Schools and earned a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies through SPCS.

Mark Gan, C’17, has been hired as Cyber Security Lead Specialist Engineer at Accenture in Washington, D.C. Gan graduated in 2017 with a BSPS in IT Management, earning the Jean H. Proffitt Student Service Award at SPCS Night.

Dr. Kimberly M. Bridges, GC’13, is quoted in The 74 analysis of Virginia education policy gains in the event of democratic wins in the November 5 election. The article was published two days prior to the election. Bridges earned a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and is now a professor in VCU’s School of Education.

Kirsten Logan, GC’18, has co-authored an article with SPCS adjunct associate professor Erik Laursen titled Does Mindfulness Strengthen Self-efficacy in First Grade Students? in the Journal of Teacher Action Research. This article represents the first peer-reviewed publication published by a student or graduate of the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program.