The VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 19, recognizing exceptional alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields within a decade of earning their first VCU degree. Among this year’s honorees are three standout alumni associated with the VCU School of Education Department of Educational Leadership. The honorees whose leadership and dedication exemplify the school’s mission to transform the future of education.

Honorees include:

• Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Ed.D. (Ed.D. ’14) – superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools, Kay-Wyatt has dedicated her career to advancing K-12 education and advocating for inclusive, innovative learning environments.
• Tamara Dias (Cert. ’21) – Founder of Good Soil Education and executive director of African American Teaching Fellows, Dias is known for her commitment to equitable education and support for future educators of color.
• Katelynn Jarrells – Currently an Ed.D. candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership (EDLP), Jarrells was recognized as a top awardee for her ongoing contributions to educational leadership and her work to elevate K-12 education practices.

Through their remarkable achievements, these three individuals are not only changing the present but also shaping the future of education.

At the heart of Richmond and extending far beyond, our Department of Educational Leadership (EDLP) is shaping the future of education and leadership across diverse fields. With more than 320 alumni leading K-12 schools and 259 others driving change in higher education, EDLP’s impact is felt across communities in Virginia and nationwide. Whether transforming classrooms locally or championing innovation at universities nationwide, these graduates – 167 of whom are VCU employees – are committed to making a lasting impact.

The VCU School of Education is proud to celebrate these honorees whose achievements inspire hope and innovation for future generations.

Pictured from left to right: Kathleen Rudasill, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Education; Tamara Dias; Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Ed.D.; and Whitney Newcomb, Ph.D., interim associate dean for faculty development; professor and chair of the department of educational leadership.