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Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
2020 SESSION
20108823DWHEREAS, Belle S. Wheelan, Ph.D., president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and former Virginia Secretary of Education, has achieved academic and professional excellence in an education career spanning four decades; and
WHEREAS, Belle Wheelan received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity University in 1972 with a double major in psychology and sociology, followed by a master’s degree in 1974 from Louisiana State University in developmental educational psychology, and a doctorate in 1984 from the University of Texas at Austin in educational administration; and
WHEREAS, the first African American and the first woman to lead the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Belle Wheelan is a pioneer who thrived in various capacities as faculty member, chief student services officer, campus provost, and college president throughout her career; and
WHEREAS, appointed by Governor Mark Warner to serve as Secretary of Education, Belle Wheelan’s remarkable leadership has been recognized by numerous awards and distinctions over the years; including six honorary degrees, the Distinguished Graduate Award from Trinity University, the Woman of Distinction Award from the American Association of University Women, and the Terry O’Banion Prize in Education from the League for Innovation in Community Colleges; and
WHEREAS, named president emeritus by Central Virginia Community College in 2017 and inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, Belle Wheelan has generously contributed her time and talents as a leader of various educational organizations, including the American Association of Community Colleges, the Lumina Foundation for Education, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the National Student Clearinghouse; and
WHEREAS, committed to serving the community at large, Belle Wheelan has also been a valued member of various social and civic organizations, including Rotary International; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the President’s Round Table of the National Council on Black American Affairs; and
WHEREAS, through her leadership, vision, and impeccable work ethic, Belle Wheelan has made an indelible mark on the schools of the Commonwealth in ways that will benefit students for generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Belle S. Wheelan, Ph.D., president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and former Virginia Secretary of Education, hereby be commended for her dedicated service on behalf of countless students and their families; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Belle S. Wheelan, Ph.D., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s admiration for her outstanding career, legacy of service, and innumerable contributions to the Commonwealth.