“Quite honestly, the district and I have a perfect fit. We are a perfect match,” said Victory, 50, who was chosen from among 70 candidates nationwide.
Victory will start as University City Schools superintendent on July 1 and will be paid an annual salary of $175,000 during his three-year contract.
The district’s current superintendent, Vern Moore, will retire on June 30. Moore was appointed superintendent in 2001. He and his wife plan to return to an area near their native Oklahoma City to be closer to their family.
“This is a wonderful opportunity,” said Victory, who currently serves as executive director for secondary schools for the Norfolk, Va., public school system.
“I knew I fit exactly into the school board plan after I looked at the expectations they set for themselves in diversity and helping each and every student achieve a quality education,” Victory said by telephone from Virginia.
“The challenges that exist here in Norfolk and in University City, they exist throughout the country n providing all students with a quality education, insuring schools are safe and making sure all stakeholders are involved.”
Joy Lieberman, University City school board member, recalls voting to hire Victory.
“Dr. Victory received unanimous approval by the board without any haggle. I and the board were impressed with his credentials,” Lieberman said.
“He has worked with elementary and secondary students. He also comes from a very diverse community similar to University City.”
“I’m delighted with the final decision. We have a strong candidate who will work well for University City,” said Barbara Santoro, president of the district’s Board of Education.
“We had an extremely strong pool of candidates. Dr. Victory is very student-centered.”
Moreover, Victory has been an educator for 27 years. In his current position, Victory is the supervisor for all middle and high school principals in the Norfolk Public Schools.
Victory said he will bring his experience in directing Norfolk’s alternative, middle school, high school, night school and resource center programs, which serve the needs of more than 17,000 students, to University City.
At University City, Victory will oversee the district’s 500 employees and its 3,700 students from grades pre-school through 12.
Victory will be responsible for the district’s early childhood center, six elementary schools, a six grade center, middle school, high school and an adult education program.
“My basic philosophy is making a diverse school district work, making that difference where every adult is made accountable for the success of every child,” Victory said.
Victory received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, in elementary education and administration and supervision. He earned his doctorate degree in educational administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Victory has also held various teaching and administrative positions in the Hampton, Va. And Portsmouth, Va. public school systems.
He and his wife Paulette, a high school guidance counselor, are the parents of two grown daughters and have two grandchildren.