Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Monique C’ta Mitchelson-DeLaurier as the Academy’s new Academic Dean, following the retirement of longtime instructor and Academic Dean COL Brian Bodine. 

Mitchelson-DeLaurier joined the Fork Union Military Academy faculty during the 2025-2026 academic year as an Honors English instructor and quickly became a valued member of the Academy community through her passion for student growth, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to academic excellence. 

“We are excited to announce Ms. Mitchelson-DeLaurier as our next Academic Dean,” said CAPT Mark E. Black, President of Fork Union Military Academy. “Over the past year, she has already made a tremendous impact in the classroom and within our academic community. Her extensive background in educational leadership, combined with the relationships she has built at Fork Union, make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead our academic program forward. We also extend our sincere gratitude to COL Brian Bodine for his years of dedicated service and leadership to the Academy.” 

Mitchelson-DeLaurier brings more than 26 years of educational experience to her new role, including leadership positions as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, reading interventionist, and classroom teacher. Prior to joining Fork Union, she served as a principal with Albemarle County Public Schools from 2021 to 2024 and as an assistant principal with Charlottesville City Public Schools from 2019 to 2021. 

As an Honors English instructor at Fork Union this past year, Mitchelson-DeLaurier created engaging and thought-provoking learning experiences that encouraged cadets to grow as critical thinkers and confident communicators. She also worked closely with faculty and staff to support the Academy’s academic mission and foster a positive learning environment for cadets. 

Her professional experience additionally includes roles as an instructional coach and reading interventionist, where she focused on data-driven instruction, professional development, and individualized student support. Earlier in her career, she worked as an educational consultant with McGraw-Hill and spent more than 16 years as a classroom teacher. 

Mitchelson-DeLaurier earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from James Madison University. A former Division I women’s basketball student-athlete, she has continued to demonstrate a lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship, and education. 

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Academic Dean at Fork Union Military Academy,” said Mitchelson-DeLaurier. “Over the past year, I have seen firsthand the strength of this community and the Academy’s commitment to developing young men of character, discipline, and purpose. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented faculty and staff as we build upon Fork Union’s strong academic foundation and continue preparing cadets for success.” 

As Academic Dean, Mitchelson-DeLaurier will oversee the Academy’s academic operations, support faculty development, and help advance initiatives designed to strengthen student achievement and educational excellence.