Rowanty Technical Center principal Dr. Paul Lathrop was recently named the Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators’ (VACTEA) New Administrator of the Year during the organization’s 2025 year-end conference. 

The New Administrator of the Year award recognizes new administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, or state-level with administrative experience. Recipients of the award are recognized for their exemplary leadership in promoting teacher and student achievement, as well as their impactful contributions to the development of innovative, distinctive, and effective career and technical education programs.

Since his arrival at Carson’s Rowanty Technical Center in 2024, Dr. Lathrop has spearheaded a comprehensive improvement plan that includes revising the program of studies to align with VDOE credits, improving campus safety, updating facilities, and increasing access to workforce-aligned courses. He leveraged labor market data and employer input to dissolve outdated, low-enrollment programs and launch in-demand offerings, such as Engineering & Manufacturing Technician, which was made possible through a $625,000 Go Virginia and Cameron Foundation grant he authored. 

Over the last nearly two years, Dr. Lathrop expanded dual enrollment opportunities in Welding, Criminal Justice, and Health Sciences and secured articulation agreements to strengthen postsecondary transitions. He also transitioned all trade programs to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, effectively doubling the number of student credentials and aligning instruction with high-demand certifications. To ensure instruction was of the highest quality, Dr. Lathrop supported teachers with assessment tools, pre- and post-test data analytics, and regular coaching.

Dr. Lathrop’s commitment to data-driven innovation—including tracking credentialing trends, surveying alumni outcomes, and guiding instructional improvements—has positioned Rowanty Technical Center as a leader in adapting to the evolving career and technical education landscape. Through his leadership in technology, instructional design, and industry-focused, student-centered programs, Dr. Lathrop continues to set new standards for excellence.

Beyond Carson, Dr. Lathrop has been a longstanding advocate for CTE funding and policy reform—beginning in 2006 as a high school student testifying before the North Carolina Department of Education and continuing today, securing state and federal letters of support for major initiatives. He played a pivotal role in founding new teacher support networks such as VACTEA’s Support Options for Success (S.O.S.) Program and Chesterfield’s Great Beginnings program.

He has also worked to eliminate barriers to access, launching inclusive marketing efforts, equity-focused professional development, and personalized onboarding for Special Education and English Language Learner (ELL) students. Dr. Lathrop brought the CTE Resource Center's mission to the forefront and created a data-driven school culture, with alumni walls celebrating student success and engaging the next generation.

VACTEA leads efforts to advance career and technical education throughout Virginia, serving both youth and adults as a key part of the state’s educational system. The organization supports education leaders by providing professional resources, facilitating valuable networking opportunities, and promoting the development of high-quality CTE programs. VACTEA is committed to fostering leadership, sharing best practices, and expanding opportunities for student success across the Commonwealth.