Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Assistant Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.

Principal, Cumberland County Elementary School (BS’89, MEd’05) Reading, Literacy, & Learning M.Ed: Virginia Silveira Gills “Ginny” is the principal of Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Va. A proud Longwood University Alumna, Ginny serves on the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors. She serves on the Southside Virginia Community College Board and on the VDOE Principal Advisory Board. Ginny is a UVA SCOPE 13 "graduate", a 2019 VASCD Impact Award Recipient, the 2022 Longwood University Graduate Alumni of the Year, and was a guest in the VASCD podcast series "Deeper Insights Episode 6 - Deeper Voice." She was also named 2022 VAASL Administrator of the Year and Women Education Leaders of Virginia’s 2023 Rising Star. Ginny Gills resides in Cartersville, Virginia, with her husband.

Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.

Leadership Gift Officer, Longwood University (BS’18, MS’21) Educational Leadership M.S: Originally from Colonial Heights, Virginia, Kevin Napier is a Leadership Gift Officer at his alma mater, Longwood University. He graduated from Longwood with an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology – Health and Physical Education in 2018 and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership in 2021. During Kevin’s senior year at Longwood, he served as President of the Student Government Association. While Kevin currently works in higher education, he also spent about four years in PK-12 education in Henrico County, Virginia, and six years as a soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard. In Henrico County, Kevin worked as a Health and Physical Education teacher for three years and an Innovative Learning Coach for one year. In the National Guard, Kevin served on seven state active duty missions, including a 30-day stint at the Capitol following the January 6th, 2021 riots. When Kevin is not at Longwood or enjoying fishing or kayaking, he coaches travel baseball at IYG Baseball in Henrico County. Kevin is in his third year as a head coach.

Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.

Math Interventionist, Cumberland County Elementary School (BS '07, MEd '16) Educational Leadership M.S: Pamela Stepko is a Math Interventionist at Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Va. She has served in public education for 16 years as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, and VTSS School Coach. In 2016, she was the recipient of the VASCD Impact Award and the Cumberland Elementary School Teacher of the Year. In 2020, she completed the “Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence Program” as a member of the Scope 14 cohort through The University of Virginia. Most recently, in 2022 she was the recipient of the Milken Educator Award. Pamela serves on the School Leadership Team, 5 C's Innovation Committee, VALIN 5.0 Team and division Federal Advisory Committee.

Special Education Teacher - Hermitage High School and Athletics Director - Jacob’s Chance (BS'19, MS'20) : Sadie Hodges is a fourth-year exceptional education teacher at Hermitage High School in Henrico County, VA. She is proud to have earned her Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies with a concentration in special education and her Master of Science degree in special education at Longwood University. Sadie currently serves as the Athletic Director for Jacob’s Chance, a non-profit in Richmond that serves individuals with disabilities. She also volunteers for the special needs ministry at her church. In her free time, Sadie likes traveling, staying active, watching sports especially basketball, and exploring the outdoors with her loved ones.