SPCS Newsroom

News about SPCS

SPCS students, faculty, staff and alumni regularly succeed inside and outside the classroom. Most of those accomplishments never make local or national headlines. That doesn’t minimize those accomplishments.

We do our best to recognize media coverage, achievements and promotions and other good news on our main page, but the SPCS Newsroom seeks to provide a more nuanced presentation of SPCS accomplishments by population rather than by type or media.

SPCS News

September 29, 2025

Think Again 2025-26 magazine of professional education opportunities now available

The 2025-26 issue of Think Again, the magazine of University of Richmond professional education opportunities offered in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, is now available.

University of Richmond Magazine

Revisiting the unheralded hitmakers of the 1970s

Bill Pike, G’83, recalls the teamwork it took to pull off an Osher Institute class focused on session musicians behind some of the 1970’s biggest hits.

July 25, 2025

University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies Launches New Online Tech Bootcamps

The University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies is launching a series of accelerated, fully online technology bootcamps in collaboration with Flatiron School this fall.

University of Richmond Magazine

From math class to marketing

Mary Catherine Nebel, ’10 and GC’17, bridges classrooms and campaigns, bringing educator insight to edtech marketing.

July 7, 2025

SPCS launches accelerated tech bootcamps in partnership with Flatiron School

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies is launching a series of accelerated, fully online technology bootcamps in collaboration with Flatiron School starting September 1, 2025. Programs are available in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Game Design and Game Programming.

June 9, 2025

SPCS Student Update

Undergraduate SPCS student launches podcast with Dr. Ayers interview

Julian Cline, an SPCS student completing a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, has launched an interdisciplinary podcast titled Destinations and Conversations that seeks to explore current events through the expertise of University of Richmond faculty. Cline’s inaugural podcast episode, an interview with Dr. Edward Ayers, Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, is now available, hosted through Boatwright Library’s UR Scholarship repository.

May 12, 2025

SPCS Commencement

113 graduates & candidates recognized at SPCS Commencement

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies recognized 113 graduating students and graduation candidates at its 62nd Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2025.

May 8, 2025

SPCS Commencement

Outstanding students, faculty & alumni honored during annual SPCS Night awards ceremony

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies continued its tradition of honoring excellence among students, faculty and alumni during its annual SPCS Night celebration on May 7, 2025.

SPCS Features

Musicians Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, and Steve Postel in a recording studio

University of Richmond Magazine

Revisiting the unheralded hitmakers of the 1970s

Bill Pike, G’83, recalls the teamwork it took to pull off an Osher Institute class focused on session musicians behind some of the 1970’s biggest hits.

Selfie with Bob Spires and large number of workshop participants

Building lasting partnerships: Education professor's collabs in Cambodia

Bob Spires, associate professor of education in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, spent a portion of this summer visiting education facilities and leading education workshops for students and faculty in Cambodia.

University of Richmond Magazine

From math class to marketing

Mary Catherine Nebel, ’10 and GC’17, bridges classrooms and campaigns, bringing educator insight to edtech marketing.

SPCS Alumni Updates

July 22, 2025

SPCS Alumni Update

LaRee Sugg, GC'25, featured in Richmond Times-Displatch

LaRee Sugg, GC’25, deputy director of athletics and recent SPCS graduate, is featured in a Richmond Times-Dispatch spotlight that highlights Sugg being named the recipient of the True Original Award at The Original Tee Golf Classic on July 27. The award recognizes Sugg’s historical significance in the game of golf as the third Black player to become an LPGA Tour member. Sugg earned a master of liberal arts in May through SPCS.

May 12, 2025

SPCS Commencement

113 graduates & candidates recognized at SPCS Commencement

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies recognized 113 graduating students and graduation candidates at its 62nd Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2025.

May 8, 2025

SPCS Commencement

Outstanding students, faculty & alumni honored during annual SPCS Night awards ceremony

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies continued its tradition of honoring excellence among students, faculty and alumni during its annual SPCS Night celebration on May 7, 2025.

April 9, 2025

SPCS Commencement

Student Richard Bagby, adjunct professor Sarah Calveric & alum Sabrina Guerin are SPCS Commencement 2025 speakers

As part of a long-standing tradition, a graduating student, faculty member, and an alum will address School of Professional and Continuing Studies graduates during the the School’s graduation ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10.

SPCS Faculty & Staff Accomplishments

September 8, 2025

Fitrer named to Leadership Metro Richmond class of 2026

Laura Fitrer, GC’16, has been named to Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR)’s flagship program, Leadership Quest, as a member of the class of 2026. Each year, LMR welcomes a diverse group of community leaders into Leadership Quest. This ten-month experience equips participants with the tools to drive lasting change in the greater Richmond region.

September 1, 2025

Shields moderates rare meeting of Richmond leaders

Tom Shields, chair of graduate education and associate professor of education and leadership studies, moderated a rare meeting of the Richmond Public Schools Board and the Richmond City Council, including Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Danny Avula. This was the first meeting of the two leadership groups since 2022.

August 20, 2025

Shields receives Distinguished Faculty Service Award

Dr. Tom Shields, chair of the SPCS graduate education program and associate professor of education and leadership studies, received the Distinguished Faculty Service Award for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies during University of Richmond Colloquy on Wednesday, August 20.

August 5, 2025

Spires recognized for leading workshops at education institute in Cambodia

Bob Spires, associate professor of education, has been recognized for leading a workshop for educators at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The recognition is posted in an institutional news brief and Facebook post.