D.C. Virgo Welcomes New Principal

Chris Glover has been appointed Principal at D.C. Virgo. Dr. Glover brings more than 15 years of experience in education, including service as a teacher, assistant principal, director of strategy and programs, and most recently as Principal of Fort Hill Community School in Lynchburg, Virginia. He began his new role on May 30.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Glover to D.C. Virgo and to our college partnership.” said Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to student-centered leadership and academic excellence. Dr. Glover’s strengths in relationship-building, strategic planning, and restorative practices make him a tremendous addition to D.C. Virgo and our broader educational community. We look forward to the leadership, vision, and passion he will bring to this important role.”

Dr. Glover holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is an intense believer in not only the power of education, but the power of community. Over the course of his career he has designed and led numerous programs aimed at improving student outcomes and expanding access to quality education, often in close collaboration with families, local businesses and community partners.

As a middle school assistant principal, Dr. Glover contributed to changes that led to the school’s full accreditation for the first time in 8 years, designed and led a free 10-week community class on race and racial reconciliation, created and taught courses on cultural responsiveness in education, and served on the founding committee to launch a Children's Defense Fund Freedom School. At the educational nonprofit Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, he led K-12 programs to enhance college and career access for students, including the design and launch of a summer internship program offered in collaboration with over 20 businesses. And, as Principal of Fort Hill Community School, he led a restructuring designed to serve students in a more holistic way.

"I was initially drawn to DC Virgo because the possibilities of a lab school with a university partnership intrigued me, but what sold me was the community—the combination of DC Virgo's history and legacy with local community assets, staff dedication, and the brilliant tenacity of our students and families,” Dr. Glover said. “It seems to me that that is a powerful combination with a lot of potential for excellence, and to be frank, to prove many wrong about what our students can achieve. I'm excited to work with all of the people invested in D.C. Virgo and to do my part in contributing to the community that is already here."

For nearly 60 years, D.C. Virgo has educated students, served area families and helped to strengthen the downtown Wilmington community. In 2018, Virgo became a UNCW school through the UNC System Lab School Initiative which pairs Colleges of Education with local schools to enhance student learning and provide high-quality teacher and principal training. A year-round school serving K-8 students, today Virgo aspires to represent two powerful forces – innovation in education and community partnership – joining together to better serve a new generation of students.

For more information, please visit the D.C. Virgo website.