Susan Short, director of Outreach Program Development at Virginia Tech, and formerly director of the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center, has been named associate vice president for engagement. In the newly created position, Short will be responsible for a number of areas reflecting the university’s outreach efforts, including the Office of Economic Development and the Institute for Policy and Governance.

“After a national search, we were delighted to find the ideal mix of impeccable experience and leadership in Susan Short,” said John Dooley, vice president for Outreach and International Affairs. “Outreach and engagement efforts are a vital part of the university’s strategic plan, and her skills will be key to advancing Virginia Tech’s national leadership position in this important arena.”

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead a team that consists of some of the most talented people I’ve seen in my career in higher education,” Short said. “What excites me most is the opportunity to help Virginia Tech advance in an area where so much exciting work is already being done in terms of job creation, informing public policy, and giving students the chance to immerse themselves in a life of service as part of their undergraduate experiences.”

Other areas reporting to the associate vice president for engagement are

  • Commonwealth Campus Centers (Abingdon, Critz, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Roanoke);;
  • Continuing and Professional Education
  • Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement (Roanoke);
  • Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships;
  • Language and Culture Institute; and
  • Upward Bound/Talent Search.

Short earned her Ph.D. degree from Virginia Tech in community college administration, a master’s degree in counseling/student personnel administration from Shippensburg University, and bachelors’ degrees in music education and music therapy from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. She will start the new position Oct. 1.

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