Education 2023: PETER BLAKE 

DIRECTOR, STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR VIRGINIA, RICHMOND

Published August 30, 2023 by Virginia Business

Blake will leave quite a legacy when he steps down from his role as director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia at the end of the year. SCHEV is establishing a search committee for his replacement and will work with the state education secretary’s office and others.

During Blake’s 11 years at SCHEV, the agency produced two statewide strategic plans for higher education, created an internship program with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation and developed the Pathways to Opportunity Plan to increase access to higher education.

Formerly state secretary of education under Gov. Mark Warner, Blake also served as vice chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. He serves on the boards of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Virginia 529, Lead Virginia and the Virginia College Building Authority.

HOW I CHOSE MY CAREER: I said yes to opportunities and observed the styles and ethics of leaders I admired.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Everyone has an interest in being part of the solution, provided you give them an opportunity and a voice.

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