Graduate Programs:
- Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership (MEd)
- Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (EdD)
When Dr. Austin “Donnie” Norman ’89 MEd, ’14 MEd, ’20 EDd was named the 2021 Outstanding Secondary School Assistant Principal of Virginia, the award came as quite a surprise.
“I have worked with so many educators over my 38 years in this field, and for someone to take the time and think that I am deserving of even being nominated was humbling,” said Norman, then an assistant principal at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, Virginia.
Norman said his job is all about the students, and the award reflects that dedication.
“It is the culmination of hard work and years of making sure that I am at my best because that is what our students deserve,” said Norman, who has master’s degrees in physical education and educational leadership and a doctorate in leadership studies.
“I see it as a true honor and a privilege to represent the assistant principals across Virginia, and I hope that I may exemplify all the traits of leadership that each of them demonstrates every day.”
He said his Lynchburg education — and continued contact with his professors — has been invaluable during his tenure as an administrator.
“I don’t think I would be in this position or even nominated for this award without my experience at the University of Lynchburg,” Norman said. “The education program, both in the master’s and doctorate areas of education, is the best in the state. The professors gave us real-life experiences of what it looks like … and what we should consider when we are posed with a situation as a leader of a school. On multiple occasions, I thought, ‘We talked about that in class — and now it is happening in my school.’
“Each program focused on all aspects of leadership. Not only [concerning] students, but what leadership should focus on within the community. That has been a bonus for me as I work to include parents, businesses, and community leaders in our school.”
