2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 729
Celebrating the life of Dr. Carol Jocelyn Pretlow.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 2025
WHEREAS, Dr. Carol Jocelyn Pretlow, a distinguished scholar, educator, journalist, and community leader, died on December 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, civic engagement, and profound contributions to Norfolk State University and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, born on November 9, 1946, in Salisbury, Maryland, Dr. Pretlow was raised in Smithfield on the Pretlow family homeplace, where she cultivated her passion for education and the arts; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pretlow earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Fisk University, a master's degree in mass communications from Norfolk State University, and a law degree and a master of international legal studies degree from the Washington College of Law at American University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pretlow dedicated her career to academia, serving as a tenured professor in the Department of Political Science at Norfolk State University, as well as teaching at Elizabeth City State University and other esteemed institutions of higher learning; and
WHEREAS, prior to her work in academia, Dr. Pretlow was a talented journalist and media professional, working as an independent fashion consultant, editor, and reporter for various Hampton Roads publications, a talk show host for WAVY-TV and WRAP Radio 85, and an assistant news director for WNSB News Radio 91; and
WHEREAS, she was a respected voice in the community, serving as a commentator on WHRO's Another View, where she used her platform to elevate important discussions on politics, culture, and social justice; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Pretlow's adventurous spirit, passion for education, and dedication to advocacy enriched the lives of her students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her; she will be dearly missed by her loved ones, students, and the many individuals she inspired throughout her lifetime; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Dr. Carol Jocelyn Pretlow, who made extraordinary contributions to higher education and journalism; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Dr. Carol Jocelyn Pretlow as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.