Dr. Sondra F. Stallard Named President of Strayer University

13th University President Led Distinguished Career At University of Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 29, 2008 − Strayer University, a leading post-secondary adult education institution, today inducted Dr. Sondra F. Stallard as the University’s 13th president. Stallard was installed during a ceremony that included deans and other faculty of Strayer University along with other institutions of higher education in attendance, which took place at the Grand Hyatt Washington this morning.

Stallard joined Strayer University after serving as an academician at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, most recently as dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

"We are very fortunate to have an academic leader of Dr. Stallard’s caliber as president of Strayer University,” said Dr. Charlotte F. Beason, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and head of the presidential search committee.

"With more than three decades of experience at the University of Virginia, she has a proven track record of success in academics and brings to the presidency the highest levels of teaching standards,” she said.

The search for a new University president began when Dr. J. Chris Toe, former Strayer University president, stepped down in March 2006,www.w to become Minister of Agriculture in the government of his native Liberia. Following Dr. Toe’s departure, Strayer University created a presidential search committee which included representatives from academics, the Board of Trustees, and University management.

"Following an extensive nationwide search that included numerous candidates, it quickly became clear that Dr. Stallard offered the strongest academic background,” Dr. Beason said.

"What was especially attractive about Dr. Stallard’s candidacy is her solid understanding of Strayer University and its mission to make post-secondary education achievable for working adults.”

As president of Strayer University, Dr. Stallard serves as chief academic officer and supervises the overall academic direction of the University. She also ensures that the University maintains its high academic standards and compliance with the standards of all accrediting and licensing agencies. Dr. Stallard works with the University’s Board of Trustees to further the broad vision and mission of Strayer University.

Prior to joining Strayer, Dr. Stallard served for 11 years as dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Virginia. She served in many positions with the University of Virginia, including faculty member, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, director of Development for the School of Engineering and Applied Science and director of Corporate Relations for the Darden School of Business.

"I have long been familiar with Strayer University and its academic excellence and am honored and humbled to lead such a prestigious institution of higher learning,” Dr. Stallard said. "Strayer’s greatest strengths are its quality academics and a student-centered culture, and I personally believe these to be among the hallmarks of higher education.”

Dr. Stallard holds a bachelor’s degree in history and government from the West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery, W.Va., a master’s degree in history from Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Virginia.