University of Memphis graduate Dr. Virginia McLaughlin has been named one of five finalists for The College of William and Mary presidency. McLaughlin received a degree in education from The U of M in 1977 and received one of her first opportunities to teach as a teaching assistant from 1975-76.
"I had a wonderful program at The University of Memphis," said McLaughlin. "It really helped me solidify my future in higher education."
McLaughlin moved to Memphis to pursue her education after her former husband, Jim Laycock, was hired as an assistant to The U of M football team. After graduating, McLaughlin earned a master's in special education from the George Peabody College of Education (now within Vanderbilt University) and a bachelor's in psychology from The College of William and Mary. She has held faculty positions at the University of Clemson, The Citadel, The University of Old Dominion as well as school of education chancellor and associate dean at The College of William and Mary.
"Each institute has prepared me," said McLaughlin. "Being at a growing urban university like Memphis was a real impact."
McLaughlin says she feels honored to be in the running for president of the nation's second oldest public university.
If chosen, McLaughlin will be the first woman to serve as president since the university was founded in 1693.
The College of William and Mary was ranked sixth among all universities in 2005 by U.S. News and World Report and received five stars, the highest academic rating, from Fiske Guide to Colleges. McLaughlin said being one of the few final candidates is a tribute to what her department has accomplished over the years.
If named president, McLaughlin plans on continuing the progress made by the education department as well strengthening the school's already prestigious undergraduate liberal arts program.
The College of William and Mary began searching for a new president after Timothy Sullivan announced his retirement last year. Sullivan was the university's 25th president.
