School of Education Leadership
Kelli Feldman, Ph.D., Dean, VCU School of Education; Ruth Harris Professor
Tomika L. Ferguson, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence
Patrick Mullen, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Counseling and Special Education
Kamden Strunk, Ph.D., Chair, Faculty Organization
Kathleen M. Rudasill, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean
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Luciana C. de Oliveira, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies
Whitney Newcomb, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Educational Leadership; Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Thomas Farmer, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Foundations of Education; Interim Department Chair, Teaching and Learning
Chardaesia Hartridge, Staff Council Chair
Kevin Sutherland, Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean for Research
Ashley Boyd, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Teaching and Learning
Danielle Cosby, Executive Assistant to the Dean
Sean Carlin, Building Manager and Administrative Coordinator
the scenes, often in quiet and unrecognized ways, to ensure our success. Her unwavering care and commitment to excellence have not only inspired me to grow, but have also challenged me to improve every space I lead.
After more than 27 years of military service, I didn’t think I had much left to learn about leadership—until I met Dr. Bukoski.
In closing, and on behalf of so many others, I wholeheartedly urge you to honor Dr. Bukoski with this well-deserved recognition.”
Another nomination noted, “Dr. Beth Bukoski is a shining example of excellence in education. She consistently demonstrates the qualities that have long been valued and emphasized by the School of Education faculty. Over the past three years, Dr. Bukoski has taught two of my doctoral courses, been my program advisor, and capstone chair, and provided invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout my doctoral journey.
I often wonder how she manages it all. I have witnessed her exceptional ability to teach engaging courses, manage the Ed.D. program, host candidates for various SOE faculty positions, advise students, and chair capstone committees. Remarkably, she does all of this while continuing to write, publish, and encourage students along the way.
Dr. Bukoski fosters learning and intellectual curiosity by challenging her students to think critically and creatively. She encourages open expression in class, in writing, and supports students in finding and using their voices across various settings. She models effective teaching practices by using strategies such as projects, cooperative learning, timely feedback, and inquiry-based methods. These approaches not only address diverse learning styles but also promote deeper student engagement. I found myself more involved in class discussions and more inquisitive as a result.
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Dr. Bukoski is also incredibly supportive and accessible. She communicates with students through various channels, including phone and text, and is always available to provide clarity and encouragement. I remember being extremely anxious about a team debate where I was assigned to argue a viewpoint I personally disagreed with. I struggled with how to effectively persuade my audience while honoring the assignment and supporting my team. Dr. Bukoski met with me several times, patiently providing guidance, resources, and reassurance. Thanks to her support, I felt more confident, and the debate was a success. Her feedback and that of our audience were overwhelmingly positive, and I was deeply grateful for her help.
Dr. Bukoski is well-known for her positive attitude and influence. She often ends emails and meetings with uplifting phrases like “Just keep swimming!” or “Keep going!” These small affirmations made a big difference, often turning a challenging day into a more hopeful one. Her positive energy has been a constant source of encouragement throughout my three-year doctoral journey. I wholeheartedly nominate her for the Charles P. Ruch Award for Excellence in Teaching.”
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) Graduates
Baccalaureate Degree Honors
Summa Cum Laude
Bradley, Kali
Haouami, Aicha
Hover, William
Lancaster, Ander
Moore, Ebonie
Magna Cum Laude
Austin, Jordan
Betts, Brigitta
Castro, Anna
Dadney, Shay
Faulkner, Madelyn
Fincke, Katherine
Healy, Cathy
Kain, Mary-Catherine
Peterson, Najah
Rogan, Irelyn
Padgett, Skyler
Robinson, Molly
Soubra, Tala
Wagner, Brianna
Cum Laude
Breen, Taeya
Brockwell, Brandon
Cabezas, Rebeca
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Health and Physical Education
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Special Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
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Elementary Education and Teaching
Secondary Education and Teaching / Engineering Education
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Health and Physical Education
Special Education and Teaching
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Graduates
Carlson-Jaquez, Heather
Fountain, Bryce
Hamid, Haya
Koroma, Jessica
McClinton, Erin
McQuillen, Kimberly
Stone, Rachel
Ashby, Minga
Brain, Autumn
Bray, Genevieve
Brittain, Rachel
Buongiorne, Peyton
Carter, Brielle
Cheski, Taylor
Clark, Dallia
Coleman, Chantel
Davis, Fraser
Elliott, Jacques
Evans, Jessica
Adult Learning – Instructional Design and Technology
Adult Learning – Human Resources Development
Adult Learning – Instructional Design and Technology
Adult Learning – Instructional Design and Technology
Adult Learning – Human Resources Development
Adult Learning – Instructional Design and Technology
Adult Learning – Instructional Design and Technology
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – College Counseling and Student Affairs
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Graduates –
Segovia, Gabriela
Snavely, Allie
Standish, Erin
Stratford, Lynda
Sykes, Molly
Taylor, Alexia
Taylor, Colleen
Thompson, Sydney
Virani, Aqlima
Wells, Jacob
Winfield, Mar’Jae
Berry, Aysha
Brice, Kiera
Getz, Ryan
Hamilton, Grace
Klopp, Jason
Marquez-Diaz, Charlie
Nixon, Bailey
Ortiz, Tony
Stickler, Rebecca
Tayyab, Muhammad
White, Angel
Williams, India
Zheng, Khristy
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – Couples and Family Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Counselor Education – School Counseling
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Graduates – cont.
Blankenship, Michaela
Camp, Jeremiah
Chahin, Nayef
Dietzenbach, Emily
French, Abigail
Hayes, James
Heinicke, Nathan
Hendricks, J.E.
Humphrey, Corey
Huynh, Cynthia
James, Lenel
Peters, Omar
Pulley, Morgan
Rufino, Karina
Scott, Dominique
Waddy, Juwan
Wilson, Zachary
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Leadership Studies
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership – Leadership Studies
Educational Leadership – Culturally Responsive Leadership
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
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Educational Leadership – Culturally Responsive Leadership
Educational Leadership – Culturally Responsive Leadership
Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration
Educational Leadership – Culturally Responsive Leadership
Educational Leadership – Administration and Supervision
Quach, Brian
Triglia, Kimberly
Wright, Amaya
Hamlin, Jill
Osborn, Meghan
Jones, Michael
Leal, Kevin
Harrison, Amber
Lee, Terri
Arrieta-Lowe, Saby
Campbell, Tesi
Cobb, Ivy
Gee, Tashantae
Keicer, Beth
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Disability Leadership
Disability Leadership
Medical Education
Medical Education
Special Education K-12 Teaching
Special Education K-12 Teaching
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Teaching Elementary Education
Post-Master’s Certificates
Davis, Jacquelyn
Jackson, Sarah
Johnson, Nicole
Martin, Amanda
Perry, Lakeesha
Rodgers, Sarah
Scroggs, Tegan
Black, Devanee
Stone, Darci
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Educational Leadership
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist
Recipients of the Doctor of Education
(Ed.D.) Degree in Education
Blackwell, Michelle, Ed.D.
UNcovering Graduate Student Achievement at Virginia Commonwealth University: An Exploration of Academic Advising and Administrative Processes
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Bradley, Kimberly, Ed.D.
Agility in Professional Associations: Using Improvement Science to Align NIRSA’s Communication Strategy with Member Needs
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Brown, Jasmine, Ed.D.
Transforming Numbers and Narratives into Impact at the REF
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
Bryant, Nora, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Partnerships: An Exploratory Study into How Institutions of Higher Education Can Support PK-12 Educators
Dr. Kristen Brown
Burdette, Jessica, Ed.D.
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Innovative Secondary School Scheduling Practices to Positively Impact Student Outcomes in West Point Public Schools
Dr. Kristen Brown
Cardinell, Eleonore, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Partnerships: An Exploratory Study into How Institutions of Higher Education Can Support PK-12 Educators
Dr. Kristen Brown
Clarke, Rochelle, Ed.D.
Transforming Numbers and Narratives into Impact at the REF
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
DaVinci, Laura, Ed.D.
Transforming from Outsider to Insider: A Study on New Employee Acculturation to Boost Retention
Dr. Robin Hurst
Davison, Tara, Ed.D.
Strengthening Early Childhood Education: Increasing Family Engagement at The Sprout School of Richmond, Virginia
Dr. Whitney Newcomb and Dr. Gypsy Denzine
Recipients of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Degree in Education
Denman, Kathleen, Ed.D.
Transforming from Outsider to Insider: A Study on New Employee Acculturation to Boost Retention
Dr. Robin Hurst
Farrar, Brandon, Ed.D.
Exploring a Leader Profile’s Influence on School Leadership Longevity and Professional Development
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Franklin, Theresa, Ed.D.
Unpacking the Study Abroad Experience: Exploring How the Perceptions and Awareness of Faculty, Staff, Advisors and Students Shape Study
Abroad Participation at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Kimberly Bridges and Dr. Lynanne Jamison
Gaston, Alicia, Ed.D.
Sealing the Deal: A Case Study of a Private, Southeastern, Regional College’s Student Onboarding Practices
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Gilley, Aaron, Ed.D.
Transforming from Outsider to Insider: A Study on New Employee Acculturation to Boost Retention
Dr. Robin Hurst
Gwyn, Lisa, Ed.D.
Agility in Professional Associations: Using Improvement Science to Align NIRSA’s Communication Strategy with Member Needs
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Harmon, Rebecca, Ed.D.
A ReSET for Virginia: Systemizing Leadership and Resource Support for Alternatively Prepared Special Education Teachers
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
Harris, Lauren, Ed.D.
Unpacking the Study Abroad Experience: Exploring How the Perceptions and Awareness of Faculty, Staff, Advisors and Students Shape Study
Abroad Participation at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Kimberly Bridges and Dr. Lynanne Jamison
Recipients of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree in Education
Olson, Nicholas, Ed.D.
A ReSET for Virginia: Systemizing Leadership and Resource Support for Alternatively Prepared Special Education Teachers
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
Perkinson, Jennifer, Ed.D.
Sealing the Deal: A Case Study of a Private, Southeastern, Regional College’s Student Onboarding Practices
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Pfuntner, Maggie, Ed.D.
Exploring a Leader Profile’s Influence on School Leadership Longevity and Professional Development
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Powell, Lauren, Ed.D.
Campus Culture of Hazing at James Madison University: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Perceptions, Behaviors, and Policy Implications
Dr. Tomika Ferguson
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Reddy, Alyssa, Ed.D.
Transforming from Outsider to Insider: A Study on New Employee Acculturation to Boost Retention
Dr. Robin Hurst
Rodney, MJ, Ed.D.
A ReSET for Virginia: Systemizing Leadership and Resource Support for Alternatively Prepared Special Education Teachers
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
Schutt, Madeline, Ed.D.
UNcovering Graduate Student Achievement at Virginia Commonwealth University: An Exploration of Academic Advising and Administrative Processes
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Seidita, Matthew, Ed.D.
A ReSET for Virginia: Systemizing Leadership and Resource Support for Alternatively Prepared Special Education Teachers
Dr. Kimberly Bridges
Simmons, Amanda, Ed.D.
Campus Culture of Hazing at James Madison University: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Perceptions, Behaviors, and Policy Implications
Dr. Tomika Ferguson
Recipients of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree in Education
Snead, Amy, Ed.D.
Unpacking the Study Abroad Experience: Exploring How the Perceptions and Awareness of Faculty, Staff, Advisors and Students Shape Study
Abroad Participation at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Kimberly Bridges and Dr. Lynanne Jamison
Steele, Sarah, Ed.D.
Unpacking the Study Abroad Experience: Exploring How the Perceptions and Awareness of Faculty, Staff, Advisors and Students Shape Study
Abroad Participation at Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Kimberly Bridges and Dr. Lynanne Jamison
Strickler, Mark, Ed.D.
Innovative Secondary School Scheduling Practices to Positively Impact Student Outcomes in West Point Public Schools
Dr. Kristen Brown
Terrell, Danielle, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Partnerships: An Exploratory Study into How Institutions of Higher Education Can Support PK-12 Educators
Dr. Kristen Brown
Williams, Jasmine, Ed.D.
Exploring a Leader Profile’s Influence on School Leadership Longevity and Professional Development
Dr. Beth Bukoski
Wood, Megan, Ed.D.
Professional Learning Partnerships: An Exploratory Study into How Institutions of Higher Education Can Support PK-12 Educators
Dr. Kristen Brown
Yocum, Casey, Ed.D.
Sealing the Deal: A Case Study of a Private, Southeastern, Regional College’s Student Onboarding Practices
Dr. Beth Bukoski
NOTES
Marshals
Dr. Krystal Andrews
Dr. T’Airra Belcher
Dr. Serra D’Arment
Dr. Elizabeth Edmondson
Dr. Jenna Lenhardt
Dr. Valerie Robnolt
Music led by:
Dr. Ross Walter
Musicians:
Dr. Ross Walter, trombone
Rolla Durham, trumpet
Alex Wilkerson, trumpet
Mark LaFratta, alto trombone
Jeff Hudson, tuba 1015 West Main Street | Box 842020 | Richmond, VA 23284-2020
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