Longwood University’s Educational Leadership graduate program is welcoming a familiar face into a new role. Dr. Katie Jamrozy-Hamby — a two-time Longwood alumna and proud member of the Class of 2011 (B.A. in English, Secondary Education) and 2021 (M.S. in Educational Leadership) — has been named the program’s new director.

Katie brings with her a deep well of experience across PK–12 education, higher education, and even the private sector — all rooted in her commitment to serving Virginia’s Region 8 schools. Most recently, she has been serving as a high school assistant principal in Amelia County. Before that, her career included time as a high school English teacher, an Instructional Technology and Innovation Specialist, and two years in Longwood’s Admissions Office. She even spent time managing Sandy River Outdoor Adventures, blending leadership skills with her love of the outdoors.

Her academic journey recently came full circle when she earned her Doctorate of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2025. But for Katie, stepping into this new role is more than a professional milestone — it’s a homecoming.

“I’m excited — it’s going to be excellent,” she said. “It was a really hard choice, because I love my job. And you don’t get into this line of work if you don’t love your job. But I know this is going to be a really great move.”

Katie’s leadership is shaped by both her time as a Longwood student and her years on the ground in PK–12 schools. She knows firsthand the unique challenges and rewards of educational leadership, and she’s passionate about preparing future principals and administrators to meet them with skill, empathy, and innovation.

“You have to be so excited about all of those things to do this work,” Katie explained. “At both the university level and in our PK–12 institutions, it takes passion and dedication — and I want to help future leaders step into those roles ready for the challenges and the joy that come with them.”

Her commitment to Region 8 is clear — she has spent her entire PK–12 career here, building relationships and investing in the growth of the communities she serves. That local dedication is part of what makes Longwood’s Educational Leadership program stand out.

“Longwood is poised right in the middle of Region 8, and so we have an opportunity to really impact the Commonwealth and all of our school systems,” she said. “It’s about preparing good people to do the hard work — and I’m excited for that.”

Outside of her professional role, Katie enjoys CrossFit, the beach, and outdoor adventures. She and her husband, Mike, live in Farmville with their two dogs and newborn twins — a new adventure of its own.

With a laugh, she shared: “Life is full right now — between twins, two dogs, and this new role, there’s never a dull moment. But Farmville is home, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

As she steps into her new role, Katie is eager to connect with students, alumni, and colleagues who share her passion for shaping the next generation of educational leaders.