Vickie V. Person, Ed.D.

Educator, Motivator, Administrator

Dr. Vickie is an educator, motivational speaker, author and administrator. Before relocating, she worked in south suburban school districts of Chicago for the past 15 years in various positions, including classroom teacher, director, coordinator and principal. She was instrumental in changing the culture and climate in many of those schools. She also served as Coordinator of The Master of Arts in Urban Teacher Education program while working as a professor at Governors State University. 

In 2002, Dr. Vickie obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit and left Corporate America after 17 years of work to enter the Public School System for service. Since that time she completed an accelerated program at Governors State University and received her Illinois Teaching Certificate in 2003. She attended Olivet Nazarene University and graduated May 2007 with a Masters in School Improvement Leadership. She has served as a classroom teacher, building principal and district administrator in various Chicago public school districts. Dr. Vickie enrolled again at Olivet Nazarene University and on May 8, 2010 she became the 1st African American, male or female, to receive a Doctorate Degree in Ethical Leadership in the history of the university. She was the commencement speaker. Dr. Vickie went on to become a Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Urban Teacher Education Program at Governors State University. Currently, she serves as the Director of Education for the Akron Urban League. She is also an author, professional development facilitator and sought after speaker. Dr. Person has a passion for motivating children and adults in urban communities through education, communication and service.

Prior to beginning her work in education, Dr. Vickie worked in Corporate America for 17 years. Her last corporate job was Advertising Supervisor for The Chicago Tribune.

Currently, she serves as the Director of Education for the Akron Urban League and oversees The STEAM Academy After School Program whose mission is to develop the interest and skills of children in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The program seeks to increase each student’s performance in science and math, using art and technology. Students in 3rd – 5th grade are met daily with engaging, hands on activities as well as the excitement of 3d lessons. In addition, she oversees the Summer Enrichment Day Camp for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and she gives leadership to the Annual Scholarship Fund that awards over $200K to high school seniors each year.

Education

·        Doctorate, Ethical Leadership, Olivet Nazarene University 2010

·        Master of Arts, School Improvement Leadership, Olivet Nazarene University, 2007

·        Bachelors of Science, Journalism, Ohio University, 1985

Publications and Presentations (select few)

·        Clinical Prototypes: Nontraditional Teacher Preparation Programs. In E. Hollins, Editor. Rethinking field experiences in pre-service teacher preparation.

·        The Importance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Research and Trauma Informed Practices for Teacher Preparation.

·        Cyberbullying Awareness & Response Efforts: What is the Teacher’s Role?

Certifications and Trainings

·        Professional Educator’s License (State of Ohio)

o  Administrator/Principalship (K-12)

·        Professional Educator’s License (State of Illinois)

o  Administrative (K-12)

o  Elementary Education (K-9)

o  Language Arts and Social Science

·        Co-Teaching - Trainer of Trainers

·        Certified Lifetime Trainer - A Framework of Understanding Poverty

Dr. Vickie has a passion for motivating children and adults in urban communities through education, communication and service.

Lady Person is happily married to Rev. Dr. Booker J. Person, Pastor of Greater Bethel Baptist Church of Akron, Ohio. Together, they are the proud parents of three wonderful, productive children. Jamella (33), Stephen (28), Brooke (19) and is “Glamorous GiGi” to Jaloni (10) and Journey (5). The Person Family resides in Akron, Ohio and they enjoy watching movies, making music and taking family vacations together.