Mona Vice, Beloved Chairperson of Nicholas County Board of Education, Passes Away at 61 After 28 Years of Dedicated Service to Local Education
NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV – The community of Nicholas County, West Virginia, is in mourning following the passing of Mona Vice, the beloved Chairperson of the Nicholas County Board of Education. Mona, who dedicated 28 years of her life to public education, passed away on May 8, 2025. Her death marks the end of an era for local education, as she leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the students, educators, and families of the region.
Known for her boundless energy and dedication, Mona Vice played an integral role in shaping the educational landscape of Nicholas County. She worked tirelessly to advocate for better resources, policies, and opportunities for the community’s children, always putting their best interests first. From the earliest days of her career, Mona was a champion for educational equity, focusing on creating an environment where every child could thrive and succeed, no matter their background or challenges.
A Career Built on Service to Education
Mona Vice’s career in education spanned nearly three decades. She began as a teacher and worked her way up, ultimately being appointed to the position of Chairperson of the Nicholas County Board of Education, where she served with distinction. Over the years, Mona earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, parents, and students for her forward-thinking approach to education and her ability to bring people together to work toward common goals.
Her leadership was instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration among teachers, administrators, and local government officials. Mona consistently advocated for educational reforms that aimed to improve the quality of instruction, raise academic standards, and ensure that Nicholas County’s schools remained at the forefront of the state’s educational initiatives.
A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication
While Mona was a respected leader, it was her compassion and personal connection to those she served that made her a beloved figure in the community. Whether it was attending school events, supporting extracurricular activities, or offering a listening ear to those in need, Mona always made herself available to help. Her caring nature and genuine love for the students and families of Nicholas County earned her the reputation of being a tireless advocate for their needs.
Mona’s passion for education extended beyond just academic achievement. She understood the importance of nurturing the whole child and advocated for mental health resources, extracurricular opportunities, and the development of well-rounded individuals. Her focus was always on fostering an environment that not only promoted intellectual growth but also emotional and social well-being.
A Community in Mourning
The passing of Mona Vice has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her. Her contributions to Nicholas County will be forever cherished, and the impact she made on generations of students will resonate for years to come. In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from all corners of the community.
“Mona was not just a leader; she was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light for so many of us. Her unwavering belief in the power of education inspired everyone around her,” said a colleague from the Board of Education.
“Mona was the heart and soul of our schools,” one parent shared. “Her dedication to the children of Nicholas County was unmatched. She made all of us believe in the power of education, and her legacy will live on in every classroom, every school, and every child she helped.”
Remembering Mona’s Contributions
Throughout her career, Mona was responsible for numerous initiatives that enhanced educational opportunities in Nicholas County. Under her leadership, the county saw an increase in graduation rates, expanded access to technology in classrooms, and the establishment of several new programs aimed at providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
Mona was also a fierce advocate for local teachers, fighting for better salaries, professional development opportunities, and support systems to ensure that educators had the tools they needed to succeed. Her unwavering commitment to those who taught in the county’s schools ensured that teachers felt valued and empowered in their roles.
A Celebration of Life and Legacy
While the loss of Mona Vice is deeply felt, her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. The community of Nicholas County will honor her memory by continuing the work she began, striving to make the county’s schools a place where all students can achieve their fullest potential.
In the coming days, the family and the Nicholas County Board of Education will announce plans for a public memorial service to celebrate Mona’s life and contributions. It will undoubtedly be an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect on her many accomplishments and to offer support to one another during this time of sorrow.
A Final Tribute
As the community grieves, Mona’s impact continues to echo through the halls of the schools she helped to build and nurture. Her work has created a lasting foundation for future generations of students in Nicholas County, and her spirit will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege to work alongside her.
Mona Vice leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to the betterment of education. She will always be remembered as a tireless advocate for the children of Nicholas County, and her contributions will never be forgotten.
In this time of loss, the community of Nicholas County comes together to celebrate the life and work of a woman who gave so much to others.