Mark E. Emblidge of Richmond was elected president of the Board of Education at the board’s February 15, 2006 meeting in Richmond. Following his unanimous selection by his fellow board members, Dr. Emblidge said he wants to build on the success of the Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) program.

Dr. Emblidge has served on the Board since 2002 and was reappointed earlier this month to a second term by Governor Timothy M. Kaine. He has represented Virginia on the Southern Regional Education Board since 2004.

Dr. Emblidge is an affiliate professor at the School of Education and director of The Literacy Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University. His research focuses on adult and family literacy, high school reform, and at-risk children. He was elected to the City of Richmond School Board in 1994 and served for four terms, including three terms as chairman.

Dr. Emblidge received his doctorate and master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.