W. Randolph Nichols has been a public school educator in Virginia for 45 years. In recognition of his educational leadership in Chesapeake Public Schools and across the state, Dr. Nichols was honored as the 2003 Virginia State Superintendent of the Year, and he was one of the four finalists for the National Superintendent of the Year. He has received numerous awards over the years, but he is most proud of the 1999 Child Advocacy Award from the Comprehensive Health Investment Project (CHIP) for his firm belief in the ability of educators to make a difference in the lives of children and the 1999 NEA-UAW/SATURN Partnership Award for developing a highly successful partnership with the Chesapeake Education Association (CEA). Also, he has received national recognition by publishing articles in professional journals. Topics have ranged from planning for an in-house maintenance audit of school buildings to evaluating differing methods of instruction. Early in his career he received the annual award presented by the Virginia Educational Research Association for outstanding research conducted in Virginia.

Dr. Nichols has been employed by Chesapeake Public Schools, formerly Norfolk County, his entire professional career. He obtained both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate from the University of Virginia.

He began his professional career in 1959 as a teacher at Great Bridge High School. For more than three decades he has been an administrator for Chesapeake Public Schools, including being appointed assistant superintendent in 1977 and deputy superintendent in 1985. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University and George Washington University.

Dr. Nichols has been responsible for the development and implementation of a wide range of programs during his career. For example, under his direction a comprehensive program of special education for individuals with disabilities was implemented, a systemwide purchasing procedure was developed, and a comprehensive inventory system was initiated. He also had an instrumental role in planning programs for gifted and talented students in the school system.

Dr. Nichols and his wife Susan share a special commitment to education in general and to Chesapeake Public Schools in particular. Susan was a dedicated Chesapeake educator for 30 years prior to her retirement in 1998. Dr. and Mrs. Nichols have two children and five grandchildren.

Dr. Nichols' commitment to public education and, above all, to the children of Chesapeake has been captured in his vision statement -- To educate "all the children of all the people." For Dr. W. Randolph Nichols, education is a passion that must be shared. Indeed, for W. Randolph Nichols, education is a way of life.

Chesapeake Public Schools Mission Statement
The mission of the Chesapeake Public Schools is to ensure that students attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become lifelong learners and productive citizens by combining the efforts of students, parents, community and staff to provide a quality education in a safe, orderly environment in which human dignity is valued.

Chesapeake Public Schools Strategic Goals

• Ensure School Safety
• Ensure Rigorous Educational Standards
• Evaluate Effectiveness and Efficiency
• Provide Effective Staff Training
• Optimize the Use of Technology
• Broaden Community Involvement
• Provide Optimal School Facilities

Page last updated August 2004

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