Peter Schultz, professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech and former director of the Hampton Roads Agriculture and Extension Research Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1985, Schultz served as entomologist and director of the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach from 1992 to 2017. He also served as interim director of the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center from 1996 to 1997 and again from 2010 to 2012, and served as interim associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station from 2004 to 2006.

Throughout his career, Schultz was principal or co-principal investigator on many research grants to develop and integrate new strategies to manage insect pests in ornamental nurseries and landscapes. He co-led a research team that published several research articles on strategies to reduce the use of pesticides to manage ambrosia beetles in nurseries. His research was the foundation of his many outreach programs that impacted thousands of Virginians.

In 1992, Schultz led the first off-campus graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, teaching the first class of the new program. He was an advisor to both master’s degree and doctoral students, supporting students enrolled in both traditional or online degree programs.

He was active in the Entomological Society of America through service on numerous committees at the branch and national levels, including president of the eastern branch. Schultz received the Herb T. Streu Meritorious Service Award from the eastern branch of the Entomological Society of America for outstanding service to the society in 2017.

Schultz received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis; a master’s degree from Midwestern State University; and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.