Education Alumni Council
The School of Education Alumni Council has historically focused on providing leadership, services, and activities for alumni and the larger university. The council is organized to:
- Advance the cause of education
- Stimulate and maintain professional relationships between the School of Education and its alumni
- Promote an awareness, understanding and support of the School’s goals, progress, and needs
- Embrace the larger purposes of the VCU alumni organization
Education Alumni Council Mission
To advance the VCU School of Education by connecting current and future alumni through meaningful opportunities that strengthen the School and the greater University community.
Education Alumni Council Goals
- Engage current and future alumni, both professionally and personally.
- Foster a culture of sharing time, talent and resources.
- Contribute to a spirit of community among current and future alumni.
A Letter from the President:
Education Alumni Council
Dear Fellow Alumni,
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education is much more than just a top-rated public school of education, a beacon of educational research and practice, a champion of diversity and inclusion, and an advocate for student success.
We are that and more because you – the alumni – are the professionals, counselors, school leaders, educators, community organizers, change makers, and heroes who are out there carrying the message and trying to make a difference in this world each and every day in all that you do. The past few years have taught us to take nothing for granted. These trying times have also taught us to be thankful for what we have through thick and thin, and have made us reflect on our place in the world.
I want to thank Jared Crist, who just completed two terms as president of the Education Alumni Council, for his leadership during a time when the group pivoted and began moving in new ways. As the new president, I am humbled to serve you, and with you, as we navigate our place and purpose in our communities. I am also thankful to all of you, and remain hopeful and inspired knowing that you’re out there trying to make a positive difference in the world. I invite all of us to stay connected now more than ever, and to continue our commitment for making and maintaining strong and vibrant communities.
As such, I invite us to continue to build community through the Education Alumni Council and invite you personally to join the work of the Council in:
- Engaging with current School of Education students
- Providing and receiving relevant professional development
- Connecting with other alumni
- Providing service to the school and to our local communities
- And much more
I look forward to hearing from you and learning how we can serve together for the good of the School of Education, VCU, and our communities.
Yours in service,
Jose G. Alcaine, Ph.D. ‘16
President, School of Education Alumni Council
Coffee and Conversations
A series of engaging sessions for SOE students. Here's an example of a previous session featuring Dr. Brian Maltby.
Officers
- Jared Crist (B.A. ’14, M.Ed. '18), president
Ex-officio members
- Andrew P. Daire, dean
- Edward G. Kardos, executive director of development
- Jasmine Carter, alumni and student engagement coordinator
Members
- Jose Alcaine (Ph.D. '16)
- Jenn Arce (BIS '13, M.T. '13)
- Julia Bailey (M.Ed. '19)
- Kevin Bruny (M.Ed. '91)
- Jared Crist (B.A. '14, M.Ed. '18)
- Anthony Faina (B.S. '67, M.Ed. '69)
- Madeline Goldman (Ph.D. '18)
- Amanda Hall (B.S. '06, Ph.D. '18)
- Lisa Jordan (B.A. '95, M.T. '95, M.A. '10)
- Robin Liesfield (M.Ed. '85)
- Robert C. Lowerre (M.T. '95, Ph.D. '10)
- Brian A. Maltby (BFA '99, M.Ed. '07, Ed.D. '14)
- Sarah Marrs (Ph.D. '16)
- Joan Pellegrini (Ph.D. '08)
- Elizabeth Roberson (M.Ed. '76, Ph.D. '10)
- Jacqueline Roberts (B.S. '78, M.Ed. '80)
- Antoinette Rogers (M.Ed. '99, Ph.D. '06)
- Carmen Ward (M.Ed. '01, Ph.D. '12)
- Faith Wilkerson (B.S. '03, M.Ed. '05, Ed.D. '05)
VCU Alumni representative
- Parks Smith, director of alumni volunteer programs and professional development
“During my time as a student with the VCU School of Education, I came to see it as a unique community of passionate and talented individuals dedicated to moving our society forward through education. I wanted to stay involved in this community after graduating, and the Education Alumni Council has been the perfect way to stay informed, engage with others in the School of Education community, and make an impact.”
“I love the School of Education because I deeply believe that every faculty, student, staff and alumni of the school is really trying to make a positive difference in this world. I find this inspiring and a way to have purpose and meaning in this life. Thank you, School of Education!”
“The EAC has been a wonderful way for me to connect with alumni and give back to the program that gave so much to me! Through the EAC, I am able to support VCU School of Education initiatives, engage with current students, and contribute to the greater Richmond community. This council truly embodies what it means to be a Ram for life.”
“The School of Education brings real world educational challenges to student learning while providing support and experiences in developing appropriate responses to those challenges ... isn’t that what learning is all about?”
“Joining the EAC has allowed me to connect with other alumni and build relationships with VCU and the community. I am also able to give back to VCU by participating in student and alumni events as well as sharing my educational and professional experience.”
“I value my service to the EAC as it allows me to engage with and learn from diverse alumni with various areas of expertise and lived experience, support equitable and inclusive student success efforts within SOE, and promote our K-12 schools and educators as true cornerstones of our communities.”
“Working with the EAC has reconnected me with the VCU community. The interaction with colleagues, students and personnel stimulates new ideas and brings about awareness. Providing opportunities to interact within the different people and worlds enhances the experience of what it means to be a Ram!”
“After a little more than 2 1/2 years of hard work and some sacrifice, I was proud to earn my M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from VCU (in 1985). Although I never became a school administrator, I did serve as a department chair at two different middle schools. The knowledge that I gained and the skills that I honed during that time, benefitted me throughout my career, as well as many other aspects of my life. I'm excited to be one of the newest members of the EAC, and I look forward to becoming active and giving back to the VCU community.”
“I joined the EAC because after receiving two degrees and a certificate from VCU, I realized what a major role VCU had played in my educational career. Not only did I want to give back to the university, but I also wanted to be a resource for those who were just starting out on their educational journeys.”
“The School of Education Alumni Council gave me the great opportunity to stay involved with VCU while making relevant connections to both past and current students.”
“Pleased to be able to give back to the School of Education. My doctoral program benefited my teaching experiences in dental hygiene education. Now happily retired, I volunteer time and talent to help others through the Education Alumni Council.”
“It is both a pleasure and privilege to serve on the Alumni Council as a way to give back to VCU for the opportunities my experience as a student in the doctoral program provided for me.”
“The importance of being in the forefront of information on educational legislation is one of the many reasons I am a member of the EAC.”
“The VCU School of Education has played an integral role in my personal and professional development. As a young child, my first formal schooling was at the VCU Child Development Center. Years later, I matriculated in both the Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs. It is important for me to give back. Through my service on the SOE Alumni Council, I am able to help others benefit from scholarship and outreach.”
“I love the School of Education and being on the ECA because Virginia Commonwealth University is my family school. My siblings, mother, nephew and now, my son have attended or are still attending VCU.”
“As a two-time graduate within VCU's School of Education, joining this organization was a no-brainer. I appreciate that this group allows for many fantastic networking opportunities and provides meaningful moments to empower our current students.”Interested in becoming a member of the Education Alumni Council? Complete our Google Form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
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