Meet Dr. Vilicia Cade-Lyles (Saint Peter’s University Doctoral Program)

Meet Dr. Vilicia Cade-Lyles

(Bio)

Dr. Vilicia Cade-Lyles is a nationally recognized leader in education, parent & community engagement, and interagency partnerships with more than three decades of service dedicated to improving outcomes for children, families, educators, and underserved communities.

Dr. Cade-Lyles has built a distinguished career marked by historic firsts and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes through educational advocacy, illuminating issues germane to equity, and advancing awareness of the significance of wellness and mental health. She began her journey working in the New York City Department of Education schools serving as a case manager for adjudicated youth. She fell in love with teaching and continued to explore various aspects of education including serving as a community and parent involvement specialist, curriculum writer, secondary academic assistant principal, and district-level K–12 administrator. She went on to serve in pivotal leadership roles with Chicago Public Schools as Director of Standards-Based and High School Curriculum, Lindop School District as Elementary Principal, and the College Board as Director of College Readiness before becoming Senior Director of Teaching and Learning (K–12) in Christina School District.

One hallmark of her career has encapsulated breaking barriers as the first Black woman to serve as Chief Academic Officer in Sandusky City Schools, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent of Capital School District, and President and CEO of Child Guidance Resource Centers. In each of these roles, she has been recognized for her ability to inspire teams, forge vital partnerships, and drive transformative change, ensuring that children, families, educators, and communities have greater access to opportunity and support.

During her distinguished career, Dr. Cade-Lyles has secured millions in funding for innovative learning programs for vulnerable children, expanded college access for first-generation and low-income students, improved graduation rates, built momentum for trauma-informed systems including establishing wellness centers in schools, and developing partnerships that connect education with workforce and community well-being. She has consistently champion public-private partnerships that address the holistic needs of children and families and remains a strong advocate for college readiness, technology innovation, and equity in educational access P-20.

In 2022, under Dr. Cade-Lyles’ stewardship Capital School District became the only district in Delaware to be admitted into the National League of Innovative Schools. In 2023, she was selected to join the National League of Innovative Schools Superintendent Advisory Board. Her visionary leadership is credited for securing $6.9 million to launch three Verizon Innovative Learning Schools in Dover, Delaware. In 2024, she was named a Google Fellow, one of only twelve superintendents chosen nationwide. Dr. Cade-Lyles values philanthropy and service to the community volunteering on various boards including the BayHealth Hospital Women’s Leadership Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, United Way of Delaware & New Jersey, NAACP Delaware State Conference Executive Board, Delaware Association for Black School Educators, and in 2023 she was appointed to the Foundation Board of Directors at the State University of New York at New Paltz. She has remained a steadfast and zealous active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated for nearly 40 years working arduously to uphold the tenets of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood uplifting the humanity of others. Her leadership has been honored with numerous awards such as, the Governor Compassionate Champion Award, Central Delaware NAACP Educational Advocacy Award,and the distinguished Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Educational Advocacy Centennial Dove Award. In April 2023, she was appointed to President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Excellence, Equity, and Economic Opportunities for Black Americans.

A published author, a scholar and a servant-leader, Dr. Cade-Lyles earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz, completed three master’s degrees, and obtained her doctorate from New York University. She also served as a National Educational Policy Fellow at Cleveland State University 2020-2021. Above all her accomplishments, she is most proud of being the mother of Curtis Anthony, a graduate of an HBCU—her most valued contribution to the world.

Why Choose Saint Peter’s Doctoral Program?

Our Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is designed with your success in mind:

• Dissertation from Day One: Students begin dissertation work at the start of the program, supported every step of the way.

• Cohort-Based Structure: Build collegial support networks that help you stay on track and motivated.

• Practical & Affordable: Known for hands-on training, affordability, and success, our programs boast 85–100% on-time completion rates—outpacing nearly every other program.

• Competitive Tuition: At $850/credit, the program is more affordable than most comparable doctoral degrees.

Program Insight

• Credits: 54 (including 2 dissertation seminars)

• Eligibility: Master’s degree in an education-related field + current leadership role (e.g., Department Chair, Lead Teacher, Coach, Dean, Assistant Principal, Principal)

• Specialization Options: K–12 or Higher Education leadership

• Start Date: Spring 2026

Who Can Apply?

This new cohort is open to students who are residents of Delaware, Southern NJ, and Eastern PA.

Learn More at Our Open House

We invite prospective students to join us at one of our upcoming virtual open houses:
📅 Sept 25, Oct 23, Nov 20 at 6:00 PM
🔗 RSVP here: Open House Registration

🌟 With Dr. Cade Lyles’s leadership and the proven strength of Saint Peter’s University’s doctoral program, this new location will provide an exceptional pathway for educators ready to step into transformative leadership.

Learn more about our program with Saint Peter’s University’s here: https://www.citesaintpeters.com/ | Tom@citeprograms.com