Virginia Roach, executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, is this year’s recipient of the New York Academy of Public Education’s Medalist Award. Established in 1935, it is the academy’s highest award, given annually to one individual who demonstrates a commitment to improving the public education system.
Dr. Roach came to Johns Hopkins last summer after nine years serving as dean of Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education and dean of Bank Street College of Education, both in New York. She was previously a professor and department chair in George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been deeply moved by the needs of the disenfranchised, both through education policy and community service,” Dr. Roach said. “I think it’s my responsibility to try to do something about helping kids with extraordinary educational needs, with economic inequalities, those who are not having their needs met in school, and people who are systematically discriminated against in their school or workplace. Those issues are driving my work.”
Dr. Roach earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in educational administration from Columbia University.