After 16 years of being such an integral part of The Chicago School community and serving the institution in multiple roles, Dr. Virginia Quiñónez is retiring.
“It is with personal regret, but warm wishes that I announce Virginia’s retirement,” said Chief Academic Officer/Vice President of Academic Affairs Ted Scholz, Ph.D. “Virginia joined TCSPP shortly before the 25th Anniversary celebration. It was also before our move from the Dearborn Station location [Chicago] to our Wells Street Campus. From a small, shared office on the mezzanine of the old campus, she developed and launched what has become one of the most successful programs at TCSPP – Counseling Psychology. This is just one of the many important contributions Virginia has made over the years.”
Fond Memories
For her part, Dr. Quiñónez describes her career at The Chicago School as a rich learning experience. “As a clinical psychologist, as an educator and as a leader, the school has challenged me to keep a lifelong learning disposition.
I have truly loved this aspect,” she begins. “As an LGBTQ woman of color, I have been challenged in many other ways as well. And I have made a deep commitment to learning from others and to learning from the literature. In turn, I have tried to challenge myself, colleagues, students, and the general TCSPP community to keep us honest. So, my career has been very rich, I am truly grateful.”
Chicago Campus Dean Margie Martyn, Ed.D., remembers Dr. Quiñónez as someone everyone knew because of her work ethic when they were first at TCSPP together 10 years ago. She says it was great to reconnect with her when she came back to TCSPP and took on the role of dean. “When I think of Virginia, I think of an advocate for others, a passionate believer of our mission and values. She will still be our adjunct, and I am so grateful she’ll stay connected to us.”
The Work
After serving in the role of Department Chair for almost ten years, Dr. Quiñónez then took on the role of Interim Dean of Academic Affairs for the Chicago Campus. Shortly thereafter, she joined the national Academic Affairs team as the Director of Educational Effectiveness. She was promoted to Senior Director of Educational Effectiveness in 2019.
“During her tenure on the Academic Affairs team, Dr. Quiñónez took the academic program review process from what was merely a ‘good start’ to a program that is so effective, WSCUC commended it as one of the best in higher education, and uses it as a case study for the WSCUC Assessment Leadership Academy,” Dr. Scholz explained.
In addition to her work at TCSPP, Dr. Quiñónez is an active mentor for many women of color, including faculty, staff, and students. She engages in the community with the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health and has been an active participant in the Chicagoland assessment leaders’ group. In 2017, she earned the President’s Vision Award – a recognition awarded to those who demonstrate the TCSPP values of Education, Innovation, Service, and Community in ways that change the world for the better.
Dr. Quiñónez, who retires on December 4th, says the people were the best thing about TCSPP for her. “…beginning with the students. They continue to wow me in their commitment to the human experience. I have really loved mentoring Latinx and other students. As well, the relationships with such amazing professionals – faculty, staff – have truly enriched me personally and professionally.”