Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Renshaw Named Executive Director of Western PA School for Blind Children

The historic school nurtures the abilities of individuals with blindness and visual impairment.

Pitt School of Education alumna Rebecca Renshaw (PhD ‘10) recently began her tenure as executive director of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (WPSBC) in Pittsburgh. This appointment marks a significant full-circle moment for Renshaw, who began her career at the same institution in 1999.

“It’s a tremendous honor to go back and lead the very school where I started my career, the very school that first made the difference in my life,” Renshaw said.

Renshaw began her new role at WPSBC on August 11, 2025.

After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology from Penn State University, Renshaw discovered her passion for education when she met an individual in Pitt’s visual impairment programs while she was conducting research on the psychological effects of drug and alcohol abuse as an undergraduate student.

The serendipitous encounter led her to enroll at Pitt Education in 1998, where she earned a dual certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired and as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

Renshaw’s educational journey with Pitt continued as she earned a Master of Studies in Law from Barco Law School and her PhD in special education, both in 2010. She also served as a part time faculty member at Pitt’s School of Education for a year.

“All the skills I learned at Pitt helped me become an exceptional leader,” Renshaw reflected. “Working with the professors and fellow students there, and my internship opportunities… All the experiences that Pitt affords students helped me gain the necessary skills for me to be successful in what I do.”

For the past seven years, Renshaw worked as executive director at the Lavelle School for the Blind at the Bronx in New York City. Previously, she worked at WPSBC for nearly two decades, first as an orientation and mobility specialist from 1999 to 2005, and later as an education director from 2012 to 2018.

Speaking about her vision for the school, Renshaw shared, “I’m looking forward to leading WPSBC into its next chapter. It’s already an amazing place, and has grown under the leadership of Dr. Ondek.”

Founded in 1887, WPSBC is a private institution serving the needs of approximately 200 enrolled students ages 3-21 with blindness and visual impairment from 85 school districts across Western Pennsylvania.

Renshaw is one of several Pitt Education alumni to hold top leadership roles at WPSBC.

The most recent executive director, Heidi Ondek, who served from 2018 to 2025, earned her EdD in Administration and Policy Studies from the Pitt School of Education in 2003.

Before her, Janet Simon, a 1968 MEd and 1978 PhD alumna of the School of Education, served as executive director at WPSBC for 25 years and now supports the school as a trustee.

Many Pitt alumni also work as teachers at the school. Additionally, graduate students enrolled in Pitt Education’s blindness and visual impairment programs frequently complete training and workshops at the school, which is located near Pitt’s campus.

Said Ondek: “I couldn’t think of a better person to lead this school than Rebecca.”

This new role also represents a homecoming for Renshaw, who always envisioned an eventual return to Pittsburgh.

“I’ve worn many hats over my career,” Renshaw said. “I’ve been an adjunct professor. I’ve been president of our professional association. I’ve served on state and national committees. All of it, I think, has come to this moment that is leading me home.”