RICHMOND — After a nationwide search, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today announced its new agency director, A. Scott Fleming.
Fleming, a 2023 appointee of Governor Youngkin to the Council (board), has resigned his appointment to serve as the SCHEV (agency) director.
Scott Fleming has led a substantial career in the education sector, leveraging his expertise across public, private, and nonprofit organizations. At the outset, as a staff member to the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he led the reauthorizations of the Higher Education Act in 2005 and the Carl D. Perkins Technical and Vocational Act in 2006. His efforts shaped policies to enrich educational opportunities and workforce development.
After several years on Capitol Hill, Fleming transitioned into management consulting and subsequent leadership roles at renowned education companies, including Scantron, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Teaching Strategies, where he always strived to enhance educational outcomes. His influence extended into the nonprofit sphere as a C-level executive at the Strada Education Foundation, where he applied his strategic approach to advocate for and improve the outcomes of higher education.
Most recently, as the chief strategy officer for Teaching Strategies, one of the nation’s leading e-learning organizations, Fleming has been at the helm of advancing early learning through innovative software solutions, directly impacting how educators engage with their classrooms and students.
On the home front, Fleming is a father to four and has a turbulent relationship with the family dog. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University, credentials that have underpinned his lifelong dedication to education.
“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as SCHEV’s next Director,” said Fleming. “The Council and the agency have a rich history of contributing value and shaping the strategic direction of Virginia’s higher education system, with immense implications for students and their families. I look forward to playing my part in driving the Commonwealth’s postsecondary and economic success as we move forward.”
“We’re delighted to have Scott on board,” said Ken Ampy, SCHEV Council chair. “He is a forward-thinking professional who brings tremendous expertise in education. He is the right person at the right time for the agency and the Commonwealth. The Council is confident that from day one Scott will bring enthusiasm and innovation to SCHEV and higher education in Virginia.”
In welcoming Scott to SCHEV, Council also wants to recognize the many contributions of Interim Director Alan Edwards, who provided a steady hand and ongoing guidance for the entire team throughout the search process. His extensive knowledge and history of executing on SCHEV’s mission will allow him to continue to provide invaluable support to Scott as he moves into his new role.
Director Search and Selection Process
Council’s selection process began in May 2023 with the formation of a seven-member Search Committee, which was co-chaired by Victoria Harker (then-incoming and current Council vice-chair) and Katharine Webb (then-outgoing Council vice-chair). The Committee’s additional members were: John Broderick (Council member and former Old Dominion University president); Gil Bland (former Council chair, 2013-2015); Cheryl Oldham (Council member); Taylor Reveley (Longwood University president and Council of Presidents chair); and the Honorable Aimee Guidera (Secretary of Education).
The Search Committee, assisted by the Isaacson, Miller search firm, met throughout the summer and fall. They developed a position description, which was affirmed by the full Council, and then through referrals and member/firm outreach, the Committee cultivated an impressive list of prospects from across the Commonwealth and the nation.
From the over 268 highly qualified people contacted through this extensive outreach, 58 applications were received. The Committee then developed a list of the most viable applicants for interviews, which it conducted in October, December and February. Therefrom, slates of candidates were recommended for interviews by the full Council, which made its final selection in late March.
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The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is the state’s coordinating agency for higher education. With Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, SCHEV is dedicated to making Virginia the best state for education by 2030. For more on this statewide strategic plan, visit schev.edu/TheVirginiaPlan.
