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2018 SESSION
18100074DPatrons-- Leftwich, Convirs-Fowler, Hayes and Knight; Senators: Cosgrove and Spruill
WHEREAS, W. Randolph Nichols, a devoted educator and an accomplished school administrator in Chesapeake, died on June 26, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Ahoskie, North Carolina, Randolph Nichols earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Randolph Nichols joined the faculty of Great Bridge High School in 1959 as a teacher and track coach; he enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Chesapeake Public Schools, formerly Norfolk County Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, in 1966, Randolph Nichols became the director of research, guidance, and testing for Chesapeake Public Schools; he continued to rise through the ranks, becoming assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, Randolph Nichols was named superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools and went on to become the longest-serving superintendent in South Hampton Roads with his 15-year tenure; and
WHEREAS, a passionate lifelong learner, Randolph Nichols worked tirelessly to prepare his students for higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship; he was an innovative leader who guided the growing school system through periods of great change by making use of new technology and techniques; and
WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Randolph Nichols implemented a citywide school improvement planning initiative and a nationally recognized program to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services; he oversaw the construction of 18 new schools, two support facilities, and 35 school renovations, increasing school safety and improving educational standards for all children; and
WHEREAS, Randolph Nichols also served as an adjunct professor at three universities and was deeply involved with local civic organizations, board committees, and commissions, focusing on ways to serve the youth of the Chesapeake community; and
WHEREAS, throughout his 51-year career in education, Randolph Nichols received many awards and accolades, including the 2003 Virginia Superintendent of the Year award and the 1999 Child Advocacy Award from the Comprehensive Health Investment Project; in 2001, the W. Randolph Nichols Scholarship Foundation was established to benefit deserving high school graduates in the area; and
WHEREAS, Randolph Nichols will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Virginia; children, Lori and Todd, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of W. Randolph Nichols; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of W. Randolph Nichols as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.