When the University of Mary Washington’s 2025 Commencement speaker shares her remarks during the May 10 ceremony, the soon-to-be graduates can be certain they are the center of her attention. That’s because Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt ’92, M.Ed ’07, superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), takes a student-centered approach and keeps education at the heart of everything she does.
She is also very familiar with the commencement stage, having celebrated thousands of high school graduates through her time as a teacher, principal, human resources professional and superintendent, and having graduated from Mary Washington twice, first with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and then with a Master of Education in educational leadership.
“This dual perspective has been invaluable in my journey, especially as I work to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and that our schools operate effectively and equitably,” she says. “My education at Mary Washington provided me with a strong foundation in leadership, resilience and perseverance – qualities that have been essential throughout my career. Starting my career as a special education teacher, I learned the importance of advocacy, patience and meeting students where they are on their educational journey. These skills carried over as I moved into leadership roles, including principal, director of human resources and chief of human resources. Each step reinforced my ability to navigate complex systems, foster equitable opportunities and build strong teams.”
She previously worked in human resources in Spotsylvania Public Schools, and as a principal, assistant principal and special education teacher at Fredericksburg City Public Schools. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, where her capstone research focused on evaluating early literacy programs.
Dr. Kay-Wyatt recalls her time in the classroom and on the Mary Washington campus well. She studied with civil rights leader and Distinguished Professor of History and American Studies James Farmer Jr. and remembers inspiring guest speakers such as the late congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in her business seminars. She also credits her undergraduate degree in business administration with providing a strong foundation in strategic planning, organizational management and financial oversight – essential skills for running a successful school division, which she now does as the superintendent of ACPS. Under her leadership, ACPS has seen increased graduation rates, lower dropout rates, reduced chronic absenteeism and improved accreditation standings.
“As an educator, I quickly saw the connection between business principles and school leadership. Managing budgets, recruiting and retaining top talent and ensuring operational efficiency are just as critical to a school system as they are to any business,” she said. “At the same time, my advanced degrees in education have helped me stay deeply connected to the needs of students, teachers and the community… As superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools, I blend both perspectives – using my business knowledge to make informed decisions while keeping education at the heart of everything I do. With my one team, one journey mantra, we have made significant strides as a school division to bring all of these concepts together for the benefit of all students and staff.”
A visionary leader dedicated to excellence in education, transforming schools through innovation, student-centered initiatives and strong community engagement, she’s frequently cited as approaching her workload with passion and being an advocate for innovation and flexibility. She was recently named the Region IV Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS), and her peers have highlighted her impact on staff development, community engagement and innovative programs such as the Academies at Alexandria City High School and the Middle School Career and Technical Education programs, both celebrated by the Virginia Department of Education. The National School Public Relations Association selected Dr. Kay-Wyatt as a 2023 Superintendent to Watch, recognizing her effective use of technology to engage and inform the school community while also expanding two-way communication and outreach efforts. Dr. Kay-Wyatt was also selected in 2024, as one of her alma mater’s Virginia Commonwealth University Ten Under Ten awardees.
Beyond her work in K-12 education, Dr. Kay-Wyatt is a respected voice in educational policy and leadership development. She has served on numerous national and state boards, including the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), where she was president and board chair. She has also been a legislative advocate at the state and national levels, shaping education policy to support lifelong learning.
Dr. Kay-Wyatt’s expertise in leadership, human capital management and instructional innovation has led to adjunct faculty appointments at Shenandoah University and the College of William & Mary, where she has taught courses in educational leadership and human resources in education. She has also contributed to national research panels, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Study of Title I Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance Programs.
She has held or currently holds memberships with several professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS).
Dr. Kay-Wyatt previously served as a member of the Germanna Community College Board of Directors and the Mary Washington Healthcare Board, Finance Committee. She currently serves as a member of the University of Mary Washington College of Education Advisory Board. She also was honored as the Jaycees Educator of the Year (2006) and James Monroe High School Teacher of the Year (2004).
And in 2025, she will return to Mary Washington as the commencement speaker, further inspiring the next generation.
“What I love most about what I do now is the students – being in schools, building relationships and earning the trust of our students, staff and families. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow, succeed and ultimately walk across that graduation stage, knowing they are prepared for their future,” she said. “Education is about more than just academics; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering confidence and ensuring every child knows they are supported and capable of achieving their dreams. Being a part of that journey is what makes this work so fulfilling.”
UMW’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 10, beginning at 9 a.m., with a livestream available. For more information, visit the UMW Commencement website.
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