Jay Mancini, professor and former head of the Department of Human Development in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences 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.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1977, Mancini’s research on the well-being of military families, youth at risk for developmental problems, and evidence-based inventions to support community capacity enhancement resulted in over 100 scientific publications and Cooperative Extension reports.

He also created productive international research collaborations with scholars from around the world. Mancini served in leadership positions in the National Council on Family Relations and the Directors Group of the Army Youth Development Project; and was named fellow of the National Council on Family Relationships. Mancini also worked to secure extensive federal and foundation funding to sustain an ongoing research program for several decades.

He served as the head of the Department of Human Development and was a member of the Commission on Research. As a professor, Mancini taught a wide range of courses offered in the human development curriculum, both to undergraduate and graduate students. He served as major advisor to many master’s and doctoral candidates and advised undergraduate and graduate students. He also served on numerous master’s and doctoral committees. Mancini provided effective leadership to the family studies and adult development and aging programs, resulting in enhanced program visibility and ranking.

Mancini received his bachelor’s degree from King’s College, master’s degree from Kansas State, and Ph.D. from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Written by Krystyne Hayes. Hayes, of Front Royal, Va., holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

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