Jack Finney honored with emeritus status

31 May 2022

Jack Finney, professor of psychology and former vice provost for faculty affairs at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus and Vice Provost Emeritus for Faculty Affairs 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 1987, Finney’s scholarship focused on the promotion of children’s health and development. He taught courses in pediatric and clinical child psychology, developmental psychopathology, behavior modification, and health psychology. In addition to his appointment in the Department of Psychology, Finney also had faculty appointments in clinical science and the Psychological Services Center.

A fellow of the American Psychological Association, his scholarship includes more than 80 journal publications and book chapters; professional presentations; and outreach to psychology clinics, schools, commissions, and other universities. He served as an editor and reviewer for the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and other journals in the field of child psychology.

As a teacher and student mentor, Finney directed the research of 30 Ph.D. dissertations, master’s degree theses and undergraduate honors theses. Virginia Tech honored him with a Certificate of Teaching Excellence.

At Virginia Tech, Finney served as head of the Department of Psychology and associate dean of the College of Science. As a member of Virginia Tech’s National Science Foundation AdvanceVT leadership team, he developed and implemented programs to advance the careers of women faculty in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics in the College of Science and across the university.

In 2010, Finney he was named associate provost for faculty affairs and served in that role and as vice provost for faculty affairs until his retirement earlier this year. Under his leadership, the scope and depth of support provided to faculty members, departments, colleges, and the university expanded, resulting in national recognition from faculty affairs colleagues in the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. His leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and unwavering support of faculty, departments, colleges, and the university have made a lasting and significant impact on the culture and reputation of Virginia Tech.

Finney received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.