Board Members
The foundation’s board is made up of individuals with decades of expertise in financial aid and college admissions.
Mary Kay Blair
M.A., B.S. in Education
Mary Kay is a Counselor and Advisor with over 20 years of experience in Higher Education Administration. Her expertise is in Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Counseling and Academic Advising.
Richard Blair
M.S., B.S.
Richard graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Computer Science and a master’s in information technology. He has over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology and Information Security field.
Edwin Cowell
M.A., B.S.
Edwin "Ed" Cowell is the Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, VA. Ed has a rich and varied experience in education, with over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience.
Peggy Pruden
A.A.
Peggy is a native of Martinsville, Virginia. She graduated from Averett College with an Associate of Arts degree and later attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Peggy worked at VCU for 32 years. She was a Financial Aid Counselor for 15 years.
Brian Richardson
M.Ed., B.A.
Brian is originally from Fairfax County, VA. Brian began his educational journey at Virginia Wesleyan University, receiving his BA in Sociology. Brian went on to receive his M. Ed. in Education Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Donielda Tripp-Leino
M.Ed, B.S. in Physical Education
Donielda has a progressive history in the public, private and non-profit sectors as an advocate for change through education and training. She is currently a Transfer Advisor at Virginia Commonwealth University and spends her out-of-office time teaching aqua aerobics at the YMCA of Greater Richmond.
