In memoriam: Dr. Susan Leone

Susan "Suzee" Dana Leone, a beloved member of the VCU School of Education family, died April 24, 2021. Leone earned her master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the school and was a professor here from 1994 until her retirement.

For over 40 years, Leone was an active member in the Virginia Counselors Association, where she took on many roles, including president. Throughout her career, she contributed to the counseling profession at the local, state and national levels. She was recognized for influencing graduate curriculum in counseling, policy and practices related to state and national licensure of professional counselors. She was an educator, mentor, influencer, and is remembered for her vision and generosity.

Leone was born February 6, 1945, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was the valedictorian of the class of 1963 at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Northern Iowa, and in 1985, earned her doctorate in counselor education from the University of Virginia.

Due in part to her interest in state politics, Leone helped to successfully lobby the Virginia General Assembly in the mid-'70s to pass legislation that mandated counseling licensure and school counselors in elementary schools. In 1982, Leone and two of her friends started one of the first all-female licensed professional counselor practices, Professional Counseling Associates.

Leone's involvement in education spanned from elementary special education, to elementary school counselor, to school counselor educator, and concluded with volunteering as a mentor to elementary English learners. Her passion for educating others went full circle, and she had a profound influence on everyone she met.

A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made in her honor to the Children's Hospital Foundation (for the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU).

Leone’s online obituary can be found here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/susan-leone-obituary?id=5516118