Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, the first African American woman to serve as the Secretary of Education for the state of Virginia, will address George Mason’s class of 2002 at their commencement exercises at D.A.R. Constitution Hall on Thursday, June 13.

Dr. Wheelan, who was appointed to her position in December, 2001, by Governor John Warner, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University, a Masters of Arts from Louisiana State University and a Doctorate of Education degree from the University of Texas. In addition to her many other accomplishments, Wheelan served for three years as the president of Northern Virginia Community College, the second largest community college system in the country. 

Dr. Wheelan attributes her success to hard work, endurance, tenacity and being in the right place at the right time. She feels that prayer, hard work and support from family and friends make anything possible. 

Other speakers at the commencement ceremonies will include valedictory scholars Liz Twentyman and Michael Cashman. Since George Mason no longer academically ranks its students, the 11 seniors with cumulative GPA’s over 4.0 over the past four years held an election among themselves to determine who would address the class.