Carol Cash has dedicated her life to shaping the future of education. A former teacher, principal, and now a professor of practice at Virginia Tech’s School of Education, she has spent more than 30 years guiding students, mentoring future leaders, and advocating for meaningful change in the education system.

Her impact is undeniable — having served on over 200 doctoral committees at Virginia Tech, she has played a crucial role in preparing the next generation of educational leaders.

Recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the University of South Alabama National Alumni Association, Cash remains deeply committed to the belief that strong leadership is the foundation of strong schools.

As one of two School of Education faculty members based at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center, part of Outreach and International Affairs, she continues to influence the field of educational leadership by equipping aspiring administrators with the tools for success through the educational leadership and policy studies graduate program and workshops addressing critical issues and emerging needs for K-12 professionals.

We sat down with Cash to discuss her career, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of education.

What does the Distinguished Service Award mean to you?

Personally, it was a great honor, but what I most appreciated were the kind words from those I have worked with. I am both humbled and proud of their comments.

Professionally, it feels like an opportunity to remind the University of South Alabama of their impact on students. In many ways, this award reflects their influence — it’s a compliment to them that I turned out OK!

How did your education prepare you for your career?

My education, from my K-12 years at Bagdad Elementary and Milton High to my time at the University of South Alabama, gave me both the skills and confidence to lead. South Alabama provided knowledge, leadership opportunities, and critical thinking skills that shaped my career. My time on the debate team was particularly impactful, as it taught me how to identify needs and advocate for change.

Over your 30-year career, what major changes have you witnessed in K-12 education?

The implementation of PL 94-142, which opened doors for students with special needs, was a pivotal moment. This was personal — my sister was intellectually disabled when no special programs were available. Seeing expanded opportunities for students with disabilities was life-changing.

I also witnessed a more diverse student population and more career opportunities for women. When I graduated from high school, I thought my choices were limited to teaching or nursing — and since I fainted at the sight of blood, teaching it was! My experiences in different schools across the country, due to my husband’s naval aviator career, gave me a broad perspective on educational leadership.

The biggest shifts have been in student opportunities, parental expectations, and the increasing influence of federal and state accountability standards.

What do you find most rewarding about mentoring future educational leaders?

Knowing these students will go on to impact children’s lives — and by extension, the future of our country and the world — is deeply fulfilling. I see my role as helping shape leaders who will create positive educational change.

As the 2000 Outstanding Virginia High School Principal of the Year, what leadership principles do you emphasize?

Two key principles guided me then and still do today:

  1. Be willing to do anything you ask of your faculty. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about setting an example.
  2. Listen. Your faculty, staff, students, and parents will teach you a great deal about what needs to be done.

How should the relationship between educational institutions and communities evolve?

Schools and communities should function more like families, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Educational leaders need to bridge gaps, ensuring schools respond to communities and students have support to excel.

How do you see educational leadership evolving in the coming decade?

The future will bring rapid change, and leaders need to be flexible. AI will transform teaching and learning, requiring educators to adapt and develop new skills. Virginia Tech is preparing future leaders by equipping them with the tools to embrace change and lead effectively in dynamic environments.

What advice do you have for aspiring educational leaders?

Do it for the right reasons. Leadership is about service — your job is supporting teachers so they can focus on what they do best: educating students.

What drives your commitment to educational leadership development?

I believe in the power of public education. Research shows that principals have considerable influence on student outcomes. My goal is to develop leaders ready to drive meaningful change, empowering students to go beyond their circumstances and reach their full potential.

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