Two SOE students receive Black History in the Making Awards

Gerron Scott and Lottie Spurlock to be honored at an April 5th ceremony in Cabell Library.

From left: headshots of Gerron Scott and Lottie Spurlock, VCU School of Education doctoral students.
VCU School of Education doctoral students Gerron Scott and Lottie Spurlock.

Two VCU School of Education doctoral students will receive Black History in the Making Awards from VCU's Department of African American Studies next month.

Gerron Scott and Lottie Spurlock will be honored at an in-person ceremony from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 in the third floor lecture hall in Cabell Library. Scott is pursuing his Ph.D. in Education, Concentration in Educational Leadership, Policy and Justice, and Spurlock is pursuing her Ed.D. in Leadership.

Recipients of the Black History in the Making Awards are chosen based on academic excellence, service to the university or community, as well as intern, professional, or work experiences that places them at the forefront of their careers.

Scott is a senior academic advisor in the Center for Environmental Studies, where he works with students to ensure that they are successful during their journey at VCU. He has received multiple awards for his work, including Excellence in Advising-Primary Role from the National Academic Advising Association-Region 2, Outstanding Advisor from VCU's University Academic Advising Board, and the Leadership in Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Staff and Administrator Award from VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences.

Spurlock has served as director of equity for Loudoun County Public Schools since July 2019. Her 28-year career in public education has included a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including serving as a Communities in Schools site coordinator, assistant principal in Petersburg and Loudoun County, and elementary school principal in Loudoun County – all before starting her current role. Spurlock holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Virginia State University, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Central Michigan University, and a post-master’s endorsement in educational leadership from VCU.

The Black History in the Making Awards were founded in 1983 by Dr. Daryl Dance, a distinguished scholar of African American and Caribbean literature, who served as program coordinator in the Department of African American Studies during the 1983-84 academic year. Since 1983, more than 550 students have been recognized in more than 50 departments and organizations.