Extending Our Thanks to Dr. Tomeka Wilcher
By Annette Finley-Croswhite
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we say goodbye to Dr. Tomeka Wilcher, the Center for Faculty Development's educational program developer. She leaves at the end of this month to begin a new chapter of her life with family in Atlanta. We thank her for her transformational leadership in faculty development.
Dr. Wilcher took up her position at the center in December 2019, just months before we went virtual because of COVID-19. Since then, she has offered her creativity, drive, and meritorious service to Old Dominion University faculty. Her first goal was to redesign and implement an outdated teaching observation tool. Then came the development of synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face presentations and training materials and resources to aid faculty and administrators. Dr. Wilcher participated in all aspects of faculty development and promoted high-impact practices with aplomb. She designed a web-based "Teaching Toolkit," for example, launched our first podcast series, and collaborated with divisions across campus to extend the reach of the Center for Faculty Development. She can look back on a long list of accomplishments, all produced for the most part during a global pandemic.
Dr. Wilcher earned her B.A. in English and M.A. in teaching from Hampton University. She next pursued an M.S. in education from Old Dominion University and an Ed.D. in educational administration and policy studies from George Washington University. While at ODU, she won the David R. and Jane M. Hager Literacy Scholarship. Her former positions include lead literacy coach/specialist for Virginia Beach Public Schools, assistant professor of education at Hampton University, online curriculum content developer for WHRO, and English teacher at Heritage High School in Newport News.
Dr. Wilcher developed many meaningful relationships with our faculty and staff during her time at ODU. I for one will miss her profoundly. She always offered sound advice, and her enthusiasm for faculty development helped create more engaging center opportunities.
On Jan. 31 from 2 to 2:30 p.m., we will host a "Farewell Zoom" for Dr. Wilcher. Please join us as we say goodbye and thank her for her many contributions. Use the link below.
Join Zoom meeting | Meeting ID: 325 037 3957 | Passcode: 666111
