Robert Graham, professor of art in College of Architecture and Urban Studies in the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

Graham participated in national exhibitions, including 79 solo and 129 group art exhibitions at museums, art centers, colleges, and universities, in addition to having 32 professional gallery representations.

He co-directed the first statewide exhibit of “Virginia Women Artists: Female Experience in Art” and was a visiting artist at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The chair of the studio program for two years and director of the Armory Art Gallery for seven years, Graham organized 79 art exhibitions during that time. Graham also advised and counseled undergraduate students and many graduating seniors.

Graham taught drawing concentration courses in the studio foundations program. He developed and taught the Survey of African American Art History course. The African American art slide collection was developed, expanded, and digitized by Graham.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University at Hayward and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

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