J. Scott Poole, former professor and director of the School of Architecture + Design in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the “professor emeritus” title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus is conferred on retired full professors and associate professors, administrative officers, extra-collegiate faculty with continued appointment, and senior extension agents 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 1986, Poole served as director of the School of Architecture + Design for seven years and successfully guided the school while its programs achieved outstanding rankings, including a 2008 top national ranking in architectural education.

In addition, he served three years as chair of the Foundation Program in Architecture, professor-in-residence at the Center for European Studies and Architecture in Riva, Switzerland, and as a teacher in the Graduate and Foundation programs.

Poole played an important role in the renovation of Cowgill Hall, including the design of offices and studio spaces and the installation of new digital fabrication equipment.

His research interests focused on contemporary architecture and art, particularly Scandinavian architecture and design. He was active in the Virginia Society of Architects through the Professional Excellence Committee and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

In April, Poole became dean of the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

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