Fayette County Schools’ Denece Dial Named 2025 West Virginia School HR Official of the Year

FAYETTE COUNTY – The West Virginia Association of School Human Resource Officials (WVASHRO) has selected Denece Dial as the 2025 Gregory Bailey West Virginia School Human Resource Official of the Year.

The award, created by the Bowles Rice law firm in memory of education law attorney Greg Bailey, honors a school HR professional who demonstrates excellence in personnel administration and makes significant contributions to public education and their community.

Dial, who serves as Director of Personnel for Fayette County Schools, received the award during the WVASHRO Fall Conference at Stonewall Resort on October 31, 2025.

Dial said the recognition left her humbled and inspired.

“Through my eyes, I am undeserving, very humbled, honored, and even more inspired to continue striving forward with the same courage, spirit, and integrity defined by Mr. Greg Bailey and previous recipients,” Dial said. “Their work not only set a standard of excellence, but of heart.”

Dial has worked for Fayette County Schools for 11 years, beginning her career as a fourth-grade teacher in 2014. She joined the Personnel Department in 2017 under the late Margaret Pennington, a previous Gregory Bailey award recipient, first serving as Certification Officer before becoming Director of Personnel.

Dial credits her years working alongside Pennington—observing, listening, and learning—as foundational to her growth in school human resources.

She also expressed gratitude for the statewide network she has built through WVASHRO.

Dial holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Marketing from West Virginia Tech, a second bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Concord University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, also from Concord.

Established in 2016 following Bailey’s passing in 2015, the Gregory Bailey Award recognizes HR officials who demonstrate distinguished leadership, meaningful service to public education, effective change management, and a professional approach marked by collegiality and good humor.