Each year, beginning in 2018, Cumberland County Public Schools inducts a former Cumberland graduate into the CHS Alumni Hall of Fame. The recipient of this honor for 2026 is Mr. Ronald “Ron” Spears.
Mr. Ronald Spears has excelled in the field of education. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilberforce University and a Master of Youth and Child Care Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He recently retired as the Chief Executive Officer at Elk Hill, an organization focused on behavioral health and educational services for children and families with the goal of transforming the lives of youth facing significant challenges through a continuum of care that includes residential homes, private schools, and community-based services. Prior to this, he worked with Elk Hill in 1984 as a youth counselor, a Team Leader, the Admissions and Aftercare Coordinator, the Director of Community Services, and the Director Programs. In 2019, he was recognized by the Elk Hill Board of Trustees for his years of service and his dedication to children and families and the Board described him as “one of the finest individuals we know.” In October 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Mr. Spears to the State Executive Council for Children’s Services. He has also served as an adjunct professor for John Tyler Community College since 2012 and has worked as a private provider representative for the State Executive Council for Children’s Services since March of 2021.
Mr. Spears has served as president of the Virginia Association of Specialized Educational Facilities (VAISEF) and has served on their Board for over 25 years. He is also on the Board of the Virginia Coalition of Private Provider Associations (VCOPPA), and he has been recognized by the Central Virginia partnership on Youth as the 2012 Outstanding Private Partner of the Year for actively demonstrating community collaboration and service to youth and families. In addition, he served on the board of the Powhatan Free Clinic, which is dedicated to the mission of “building a healthier community one person at a time” by providing “medical, dental, behavioral health, and nutrition services enabling patients to live healthier lives and contribute meaningfully” to the community. He has just returned from a mission trip to Kenya (his second trip) in support of the Makindu Children’s Program, which is a non-profit 501c (3) organization that provides support for orphaned and vulnerable children. On this trip, he participated in the Proper Walk and Safari to help raise funds for the organization, and he also spent time at the Makindu Children’s Centre, meeting and getting to know the children.
Mr. Spears serves on numerous boards, including Powhatan Community Action Agency, the Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation, the Longwood University School of Social Work Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors of the Powhatan Education Foundation. Moreover, he has served as the Chief Election Official for the Mt. Zion Precinct of Powhatan County and the Commissioner Emeritus Henrico Senior Basketball League. Mr. Spears has always been interested in athletics and played basketball in high school at CHS. He continues to support the CuCPS athletic program and was the founder and president of the CHS Basketball Alumni Committee, which acknowledges and honors outstanding basketball players from Cumberland High School. He also served as a Special Olympics Basketball Coach from 1995 to 2007. He admits to spending some of his free time playing 50 and over basketball locally and nationally.
Mr. Spears is an excellent role model who has spent his life helping children and families overcome challenges and achieve successful future. He is quick to recognize the talents and contributions of others, never seeking the limelight for himself. He continues to stay connected to his Cumberland roots and attends events such as class reunions to renew ties with CuCPS. He instills the value of education in young people, volunteers for public service, and demonstrates the value of hard work and dedication.
The Cumberland School Board recognized Mr. Spears at their August 2026 meeting and presented him with a certificate recognizing his achievements.
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Mr. Ronald Spears is recognized by the Cumberland School Board for being inducted into the CHS Alumni Hall of Fame.