Lalisha Fitchett ’00, M.S. ’03, has been named the 2026 VBCPS Citywide Teacher of the Year. The middle school English teacher says Longwood gave her the foundation to become a compassionate, effective educator dedicated to helping students grow in the classroom and beyond.
Paulette Walsted Courington ’90 turned her lifelong love of animals into a healing career. Now celebrating 10 years of Zion’s Touch, she combines science, intuition, and energy work—offering massage, training, and Reiki to horses and dogs. From show jumpers to beloved family pets, Courington’s work helps animals feel and perform their best.
Longwood alumna Trudy Bell Berry ’01 has entered the race for the Virginia House of Delegates, running as an independent candidate for District 50. Representing five Southside counties, Berry says she hopes to give voice to voters frustrated with political gridlock.
Longwood alumna Trish Broome ’01 took the stage at the 2024 Baltimore Book Festival, sharing her powerful poetry alongside other celebrated women writers.
Vince Walden ’01 has turned his love for basketball into a standout coaching career—most recently earning a promotion to assistant coach for Texas A&M men’s basketball, where he now leads recruiting and strategy for an SEC powerhouse.
Longwood alumnus H. “Wyatt” Flippen ’93 takes the helm as CEO of Global Technologies, Ltd., bringing decades of leadership across finance, tech, and entrepreneurship to a company driving innovation in wellness and electric mobility.
Jackie Raye Cooper ’89, a dedicated literacy coach and proud Lancer mom, recently achieved National Board Certification—an accomplishment she calls her hardest yet most rewarding professional goal.
Paula Erwin Totten ’92 combines her passion for art and science as the owner of Twisted Holly Services, bringing video production and graphic design to farms and agricultural businesses in Cumberland, Virginia.
O’Kelly E. McWilliams III ’90 is leading the charge in diversity, equity, and inclusion at Holland & Knight as the firm’s new diversity partner.
Danny Pate ’89 is driving innovation in fiber optic broadband as chief operating officer of Fatbeam. With over 30 years of experience, he leads engineering, operations, and service delivery at the company’s Idaho headquarters. Praised for his leadership and expertise, Pate credits Longwood for shaping his successful career.