Hanover County school superintendent named dean of University of Richmond's School of Professional and Continuing Studies

Jamelle Wilson, who has served Hanover County Public Schools for more than two decades, has been named dean of University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies, effective Aug. 1.

She will take over from Jim Narduzzi, who served as dean for 21 years. During his tenure, he established several institutes and centers focused on delivery programming for specific audiences, expanding the school’s reach into the community. He also established and expanded noncredit personal enrichment and professional development programs.

“Jamelle understands the mission of the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies, its unique challenges and the value of each of the SPCS programs,” said University of Richmond Provost Jacque Fetrow. “With her exceptional leadership and administrative experience and her extensive contacts in the regional community, she is especially well poised to build on the strong foundation created by Jim Narduzzi.”

Wilson has served as Hanover County Public Schools superintendent since July 2011. Prior to that she served as assistant superintendent for instructional leadership. During that time, all of Hanover’s schools achieved state accreditation. For school year 2014-15, Hanover achieved the highest on-time graduation rate for school divisions serving more than 15,000 students. The drop-out rate also was the lowest.

Prior to serving as superintendent, Wilson served as an elementary school principal in Hanover and Caroline counties. She also taught English and developed a unique summer learning experience for students that integrated English and history. She serves as an executive coach for the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, providing support and coaching to first-year superintendents.

In 2015 she was named the Region 1 Superintendent of the Year. She also was recognized as one of the Strong Men and Women in Virginia History, presented by Dominion and the Virginia Library of Virginia. In 2014 she received the Outstanding Woman Award in Education from the YWCA of Greater Richmond. Wilson frequently presents on education and leadership.

Wilson earned her Doctor of Education in education leadership and policy from the University of Virginia. She earned a Master of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Teaching from University of Virginia, where she also earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She has both a Division Superintendent’s License and a Post Graduate Professional License.

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