Four Virginia Tech faculty receive recognition for outstanding leadership, service
Virginia Tech is honoring four faculty members for outstanding leadership and service with induction into the Academy of Faculty Leadership and Academy of Faculty Service. Through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, the academies honor the exemplary contributions of faculty members of all classifications in formal service roles or in areas of leadership.
Brian Britt, professor of Religion and Culture in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Glenda Scales, associate dean for Global Engagement, chief technology officer, and director of Engineering Online for the College of Engineering, have earned membership in the Academy of Faculty Leadership. Ed Lener, associate director of Collection Management for University Libraries, and Holli Gardner Drewry, digital content strategist in Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), are the newest members of the Academy of Faculty Service.
“Virginia Tech’s reputation and strengths as an institution are built upon the selfless service and leadership found throughout our faculty community,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke. “Our students benefit not only from the outstanding instruction and support provided by these faculty, but also from witnessing firsthand their advocacy in support of and commitment to teaching, research, and service. Congratulations to each of these new members of the Academy of Faculty Leadership and Academy of Faculty Service, and thank you for the example you set for our entire university.”
Lener’s recommendation for academy membership was based on his 24 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign as member and chair and for his service on the University Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning, University Promotion and Continued Appointment Committee, Faculty Senate, COS Curriculum Committee, and the Commission on University Support. His humble reliability and dedication have earned him elected and appointed positions on various committees across the university.
Drewry was recommended as a result of her exceptional service to Virginia Tech through the Commission on Administrative and Professional Faculty Affairs and the Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate. She has also served on the A/P Faculty Senate Constitution and Bylaws working group and drafted the documents for governance consideration, A/P Faculty representative on the Title IX Policy working group, Campus Accessibility working group, and the Caregiving Executive Committee. The countless hours Drewry has dedicated to service have improved employment conditions, morale, and representation for all A/P faculty members across the university.
Britt earned membership based on his impact on the Virginia Tech community through formal and informal leadership roles in the Department of Religion and Culture, in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (CLAHS), and the university. He directed the religious studies program until college reorganization changed the nature of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department (the precursor to Religion and Culture). During a transitional time, he led the School of Performing Arts as interim director, chaired Religion and Culture's Mentoring Committee, and the CLAHS Promotion and Tenure Committee. His greatest leadership contributions center on his desire to support colleagues and advance their academic careers. He gives his time generously and selflessly to support those around him.
Scales’ recommendation stemmed from her exemplary leadership across multiple, diverse portfolios within the college, including global, IT, and online programs. She advocates for faculty, staff, and graduate student development by mentoring students and leaders across campus. She led the College of Engineering's Work-Life Task Force during the pandemic by engaging Faculty Affairs, the Women's Alliance, and others to facilitate the task force's leadership to advocate for long-term and holistic development and support for faculty, staff, and students. Scales has advanced program and curricular transformation through her statewide leadership in the Commonwealth Graduate Education Program, Rising Sophomore Abroad Program, and advocacy for equality IT infrastructure for students in the college. Her positive impact within the Virginia Tech community is evidence of her dedication to faculty, staff, and students, especially women and underrepresented students.
Faculty nominated for membership in the Academy of Faculty Leadership must have shown exemplary leadership in formal or informal roles within the university and through activities and approaches that significantly advance a culture of collaborative leadership. They must also have promoted faculty, staff, and/or student development; advanced program or curricular transformation; and made a notable and demonstrable positive impact within the university community.
Academy of Faculty Service nominees must have successfully completed an elected or appointed term of office in university governance, completed the assignment or set of responsibilities associated with a university-level project, or made commendable service contributions at the university level outside of usual responsibilities and ongoing formal governance roles. They must also have made a notable and demonstrable positive impact on the university as evidenced by the academy nomination statement and letters of support.
