Helene Renard, associate professor of interior design in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emerita 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 2008, Renard made significant contributions to her discipline through creative scholarship focusing on the use of felt and interior space. She was the principal or co-principal investigator on grants researching the use of materials in interiors and authored or co-authored two peer-reviewed journal articles and one book chapter.

Renard’s participation in regional, national, and international art exhibitions brought international visibility to Virginia Tech. She received several professional honors and awards, including first place in the National Creative Scholarship Competition.

Renard was active in the committees and initiatives of professional organizations, including the Interior Design Educators Council. She also supported the interior design program through her participation in curriculum development, accreditation processes, mentoring of colleagues, and attainment of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification certification.

In the classroom, Renard taught many undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the interior design curriculum, the architecture curriculum, and the foundation program. She advised many students on master's degree dissertations and served the university community as a design educator through community-based design studio projects and community-based research.

Renard received her bachelor’s degree from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and a Master of Architecture degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art.

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