Mary Baldwin University announces new director of teacher education

Mary Baldwin University welcomed Angela Wilson as the new director of teacher education for the College of Education, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of educational fields and specialties. Wilson will also hold the title of assistant professor of education, and will teach education courses at MBU.

Wilson will serve in a key leadership role, alongside the dean of the College of Education, and be the university’s primary contact with the Virginia Department of Education on matters pertaining to teacher education. She will oversee data collection and reporting relating to program approval and accreditation, and ensure that MBU’s teacher education program approval status remains current and aligned with state regulations and policies. She will also work on new initiatives, build partnerships with local school divisions, and serve as an academic advisor for College of Education students.

Rachel Potter, dean of the College of Education at MBU, spoke about the importance of Wilson’s role.

“As the College of Education has grown to encompass multiple programs, the largest of which is teacher licensure, we believe we can benefit from someone in a faculty leadership role who can focus primarily on the unique and specific needs of teacher education as a subset of all of the College of Education’s offerings,” she said.

Wilson has a wealth of leadership and administrative experience in the Virginia public school system. She most recently served as division superintendent for Greensville County Public Schools, a position she held since 2014. Prior to that Wilson was assistant superintendent for Greensville County and Amelia County, respectively. She also has experience in the fields of testing and curriculum supervision, as well as serving as a school principal. Wilson started her career in education as a science and math teacher in Emporia.

“She is passionate about addressing the growing teaching shortage in Virginia, has a history of creative thinking to address complex barriers, and is looking forward to this next chapter of her career in higher education,” Potter said.

Wilson earned a PhD in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); an MED in Educational Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University; and a BS in Biology Education also from VCU. She has completed professional development courses in the fields of organizational and instructional leadership, and also holds a Division Superintendent License from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Wilson will begin her new position in August. She thanked the MBU administration and faculty for the opportunity to join the College of Education.

“It is clear to me that this is a team of professionals who enjoy what they do, and who keep students as the first priority,” Wilson said. “I believe Mary Baldwin University is a place for learning where I can contribute and grow. Teaching and learning are my lifelong passion.”