Chandra Rhue, GC'12

Chandra Rhue, GC’12, earned a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies in 2012. She is now an assistant principal in Hanover County Public Schools pursuing a doctorate in Education Leadership at Virginia Tech. She offers these reflections about her experience at the University of Richmond.

At no point in my undergraduate career or during my first seven years of teaching did I ever aspire to become an administrator. I envisioned myself saving the world “one student at a time” from the confines of my classroom.

One day, a former principal suggested that I pursue my administrator’s endorsement at the University of Richmond. I figured I had nothing to lose so I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know that my decision to apply for admission would change my life as I knew it!

Upon beginning my classes, I immediately knew that there was something special about the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program in how the professors helped me discover something special inside of me. I was challenged to think outside of the box, to create my own path in the world of education.

Until this point, my entire academic career had been spent absorbing knowledge presented by my professors. At UR, for the first time, I was challenged to create my own understanding and thoughts around education. I could no longer sit along the sidelines and listen, I had to speak up and let others hear my voice.

Through this program, I became more insightful into my personal journey and professional life. I quickly moved into the ranks of administration not long after beginning the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program. I forged relationships with my classmates and professors that I cherish to this day — ones as that have helped me become greater than I ever thought I would be.

August marks five years from the moment I enrolled in my first class, and I am now an assistant principal in Hanover County Public Schools pursuing my doctorate in Educational Leadership at Virginia Tech.

When I crossed the stage in 2003 with my bachelor’s degree in education, I never imagined I would be in this place, but I must say I am thankful for my school building giving me a chance to teach and lead, a principal who believed, and UR professors who pushed! I would recommend anyone looking to pursue a career in leadership and administration to enroll in the UR program because it will truly prepare you for the challenges yet to come.

The University of Richmond offers a graduate certificate and master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and prepares students to sit for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). Our own Dean Wilson, among other highly qualified adjunct and full-time faculty, provide instruction, mentorship and guidance through the program.