Longwood University is almost 175 years old. An institution does not get that old and that prestigious without the hard work of very important people.
The deans of any college have a lot on their plate. Here at Longwood, we have three different undergrad colleges.
The second biggest college at Longwood is the College of Education & Human Services serving approximately 1300 to 1500 undergraduate students.
The man in charge of all those students and faculty is Dr. Paul Chapman, dean of the College of Education & Human Services.
Chapman came to Longwood in June of this year, coming from West Virginia University. He studied at Virgin- ia Polytechnic Institute and State University; there he received his Ph.D., Ed.S., M.A. and his B.A. His area of study has been education leadership.
Coming from West Virginia University, there is clearly a huge size difference in the student body.
Longwood University has the “ability to work with students and cater better to individual needs,” Chapman said when asked about the differences between a bigger school and Longwood. He even said that he did not miss football; he would rather go out and enjoy time with students and his family. Chapman enjoys fly fishing and playing guitar. He also has taken up cycling along the High Bridge Trail with his son. His office is very welcoming and open with an open door policy; his office is filled with guitars and books, along with a very friendly atmosphere.
Within the College of Education & Human Services, there are three different departments: the Department of Education and Special Education; the Department of Social Work and Communication Science and Disorders (CSDS); and the Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation and Kinesiology.
The whole college is very diverse, having majors in many different fields including the certificate for teaching.
Not only are there departments within the college, but also centers and services, including the Office of Professional Services; the Speech, Hearing, and Learning services; and many other opportunities that are available to students within the college.
When asked if Chapman missed teaching, he responded that “in some ways I teach every day.” He explained that teaching does not need to be in a structured classroom. Teaching can happen everywhere and anywhere. Although, he does hope to get back to the classroom and possibly teach some leadership.
Chapman also talked about the 175th anniversary. He spoke with affection about Longwood’s new President, W. Taylor Reveley IV. Chapman said that Longwood has a “new visionary president who will take us into the future.”
When asked about what he believes to be a citizen leader, he said that Longwood University continues to produce many citizen leaders, some even before they graduate.
He spoke of the leader within all of us; he wants all of the students at Longwood to “lead from where you are” and that is the purpose and hope for the future of Longwood.
