Dean Wilson selected as 2015 'RTD Person of the Year' honoree

Dr. Jamelle Wilson, dean of the University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies, was among 40 Richmonders selected as 2015 RTD Person of the Year honorees. The “RTD Person of the Year” honors were established this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Discover Richmond. A total of 40 honorees were selected, among whom Dean Wilson was honored. Twelve additional honorees were named to the inaugural Hall of Fame group.

As noted in a University press release, Dean Wilson joins University president emeritus Ed Ayers and senior fellow at the Bonnor Center for Civic Engagement John Moeser as University of Richmond leaders recognized among honorees.

Wilson’s profile highlights her leadership as a teacher, administrator and superintendent in Hanover County Public Schools, where she was named the 2015 Region I Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of Superintendents. The profile also notes that her decision to leave Hanover County Public Schools for the School of Professional & Continuing Studies was a “natural progression of her career and family history.”

As many have heard Wilson share, she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees while working full time, her mother attended Germanna Community College while working full time, and her grandmother continued her education in her 60s. Wilson reflects that continuing education is “really a part of who we are. I haven’t forgotten what it feels like.”

Wilson concludes the profile by connecting her experiences in Hanover with her experience at SPCS: “We in Hanover are good at creating a sense of family. That’s what I find here.”