Thurman Named Governor Morehead School for the Blind Director

W. Dennis Thurman, an educator with better than three decades of experience working with visually impaired children, is the new director of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind (GMS). Thurman began his duties on July 15.

“Dennis Thurman is a proven leader in education of the visually impaired,” said Cyndie Bennett, superintendent of the Office of Education Services. “In looking to the future of GMS, it is critical to have someone who understands the multiple needs and issues of the students we serve as well as someone with strong management skills. Dennis has demonstrated the ability to combine his understanding of these areas to create a program that allows students to reach their potential, while responding to the concerns and needs of staff and parents.

“His experiences working with visually impaired children have spanned the local, state and national levels. He understands the challenges facing students with visual impairments and believes in innovative programming to ensure students’ success as independent adults.”

Thurman brings more than 30 years of experience in working with visually impaired students to his new position as director. Most recently the Superintendent of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, where he focused on off- and on-campus programs that sought to increase the competence and quality of services for visually impaired students across the state of Iowa, Thurman has also worked in Missouri, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Nova Scotia, and Australia.

“I have known of GMS for many, many years. I have visited the school and have known staff members from the past. I’ve always been very impressed with the school, its programs and staff,” said Thurman. "My hope is that the school will continue to be of benefit and grow in support to every visually impaired student in North Carolina, their families, and their schools."

Thurman received his undergraduate degree in History and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Missouri. He earned a graduate degree in Education of the Visually Impaired from Boston College.

Established in 1845 as the eighth state school for the blind in the country and the first to serve an integrated population, GMS is the only residential school for the blind operated by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Each year, the school serves more than 700 children ages five to 21 from all areas of North Carolina through the school’s residential and outreach services.

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Last Modified: June 29, 2005 July 29, 2005