Dr. Paul L. Vance

GERMANTOWN, Md., May 3rd, 2015 – It is with deep sadness that the family of Dr. Paul L. Vance announce his passing. After two years of many different battles he went quietly from labor to reward on May 2nd, 2015. Dr. Vance is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra, his three adult children son Paul and daughters Lauren and Lindsey, as well as four grandchildren, and a host of loved ones and beloved friends. A viewing for Dr. Vance will take place on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. followed by funeral services on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 12 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 107 S Washington Street, Rockville, Md., 20850. “Dr. Paul Vance was a loving a father, husband and friend who cared deeply for the lives of others. His family and his passion for education were his highest priorities. He was a true champion for education who mentored, taught, cultivated and led hundreds of individuals – of all backgrounds -- towards a path of education. We are deeply proud of his legacy and plan to work tirelessly in his honor to continue the work he conducted,” said the family. Dr. Vance spent his career dedicated to the education of children, having spent more than 30 years serving in a variety of leadership roles within several school districts along the East Coast. In July 2010, Dr. Vance was appointed to the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland. Prior to that appointment, Dr. Vance served as Superintendent of Schools for the District of Columbia Public Schools from 2003-2006. During a more than 20-year career with Montgomery County Public School (MCPS), he held a variety of senior level positions within the School District before becoming the first African-American Superintendent of Schools for the county in 1991. Prior to joining the MCPS System, Dr. Vance was the Deputy Superintendent for Baltimore City Public Schools. From 1968 to 1972, Dr. Vance served as Principal of the Clarence E. Pickett Middle School in Philadelphia. During his early years, he served as a Social Studies/Science Specialist in Philadelphia. Dr. Vance was the recipient of a number of awards, including: Educator of the Year from the African American Business Council; the Excellence and Service award from the Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators; a Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Induction from the National Alliance of Black School Educators; and the Legacy Award from the Montgomery County Workforce Development Commission. Dr. Vance received a Bachelor of Science from Cheyney University in 1952. He received his Master of Science and a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1960 and 1974 respectively. He was a resident of Montgomery County for more than 30 years. To honor the memory of Dr. Vance, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Paul Vance Sr. Scholarship Fund, established in 1999 by the MCPS Educational Foundation in his honor, or to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Dr. Vance attended college on scholarships and the MCPS Educational Foundation seeks to ensure that no student forego a higher education for financial reasons. The scholarship program is for students who are academically successful and financially deserving, and it provides an opportunity for students to pursue their career goals to enhance their future. To learn more visit: http://www.mcpsfoundation.org/. For more information on UNCF, visit: http://www.uncf.org/.