STATEWIDE — On Jan. 5, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam named Dr. Rosa Atkins as the acting superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
Atkins will be taking over after Dr. James Lane, who held the position from June 2018 until January 2022. Lane’s departure from the position was announced in December.
VDOE hired Atkins in July 2021 to serve as the assistant superintendent for talent acquisition and development before being appointed as the first assistant superintendent for diversity, equity and inclusion a few months later.
Prior to that, Atkins was the superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools for fifteen years before retiring.
Atkins has a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in special education, another master’s degree in administration and supervision from Virginia State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech
“It is an honor to be appointed to this position and be able to provide continuity in leadership to Virginia’s school divisions,” Atkins said. “I look forward to working in partnership with all of our divisions to ensure that every student experiences high-quality instruction based on rigorous curriculum, and that all of our teachers and school leaders are equipped to provide those experiences.”
