2024 Administrative and Professional Faculty Award Nominees

Kimberly Ascue, director of information technology for the Office of the Dean for Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2002.

April Hylton, associate dean for personnel and administration for the Office of the Dean for VMCVM, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Kim has an excellent representation within the university community as a collaborator and a resource, especially through her work on the information technology council. She has a strong network of colleagues in the veterinary profession and is highly regarded as a leader in the vet school community for the information technology initiatives implemented within our organization. She has presented at professional conferences to share best practices with colleagues, which is considered a huge compliment.”

Sarah Bechtel, associate director of undergraduate advising and academic initiatives for the College of Science, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2021.

Susan Haymore, director of undergraduate advising, wrote in a letter of nomination: “One of Sarah’s most notable achievements is her work in developing a comprehensive training program for new hires. This program is designed to encourage advisor participation, promote team collaboration, and support innovative ideas that aim to improve advising and better serve our first-generation, underserved, minority, and transfer students. Her dedication to inclusivity and student success is evident in her tireless efforts to create an environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.”

Rituraj Borgohain, core research facility manager for the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2019.

Matthew Hull, research professor for ICTAS, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Rit is an incredible asset to ICTAS and Virginia Tech. Students and faculty from across the university depend on him as the go-to person for their materials characterization needs. Anyone who has managed a core facility knows that many of their greatest accomplishments can be hidden from public view. Consequently, a service mentality is essential to success. Rit routinely demonstrates this mentality through dedicated service to others. He truly embodies the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).”

Ashley Crawford, director of finance for the Pamplin College of Business, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2012.

Lara Khansa, associate dean of research and faculty affairs for Pamplin, wrote in a letter of nomination: “In Ashley’s capacity as director of finance and administration, she has exhibited meticulous attention to detail, a sharp analytical mind, and an unparalleled dedication to excellence. Her exceptional leadership was particularly evident when she recently assumed the role of interim assistant dean for finance and administration during a critical juncture for our college, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to Virginia Tech.”

Yancey Crawford, associate director, faculty development and administration for the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment (ISCE), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2017.

Karen Roberto, university distinguished professor and executive director of ISCE, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Yancey helps faculty develop a sense of self as researchers, recognize the potential impact of their scholarship, and appreciate the value of collaborations with colleagues within and outside of their own disciplines and communities outside academia. She instills grant-seeking self-confidence and encourages persistence until funding success is achieved.”

Monica Crouse, interim HR service center manager for the Division of Human Resources (HR), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2019.  

Michael McCoy, human resources manager for HR, wrote in a letter of nomination: “The result of Monica’s hard work has benefitted HR and the university by enhancing the employees’ knowledge base, improving customer service, reducing wait times, and building a collaborative team environment. I believe these examples demonstrate the extraordinary asset Monica is to the university and how she embodies the Hokie Spirit.”

Michelle Dalton, general chemistry lab supervisor for the Department of Chemistry in the College of Science, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2010.

Negin Nazem, director of undergraduate labs for chemistry, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Michelle’s devotion to making sure that laboratory experiences go beyond chemistry and preparing students for success in their lives and future careers is a valuable and impactful approach to education.”

Gannon Davis, director of finance and deputy chief of staff for the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities (CPIF), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2007.

Jon Clark Teglas, chief of staff for the Vice President for CPIF, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Gannon’s performance has had a ripple effect, enhancing the work of his colleagues and inspiring them to strive for excellence in their respective roles. His collaborative spirit and willingness to share knowledge have fostered a culture of continuous improvement within our division.”

Laura Hamm, manager of technical writing and editing for the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2015.

Elizabeth White, interim chief of staff for VTTI, wrote in a letter of nomination: “What makes Laura standout as an exceptional technical editor is that she knows the transportation domain and is therefore value added to the technical messaging that we convey. She assesses proposals, for example, through the lens of a reviewer to provide quality recommendations on technical matters that impact our proposal success rate. That is, beyond the typical editing role, she provides insight into how a researcher may be phrasing a concept to ensure that the reader/reviewer sees the value and relevance of the material.” 

Bryan Hanson, graduate student ombudsperson for the Graduate School, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2017.

Monika Gibson, Graduate School chief of staff, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Bryan’s always positive, supportive, and problem-solving approach provides a calming presence and creates a collaborative environment that is comfortable and inviting to all. Many departments can attest to the positive difference Bryan has made in the last seven years, and only the limitation on endorsement letters keeps us from including multiple examples. Each reference considers Bryan an excellent candidate for this award, a rare individual whom everyone holds in high regard.”

Patrick Hilt, director of college facilities for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2017.

Mary Burrows, director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) and associate dean for research, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Patrick consistently demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities, a clear vision for the enhancement of Virginia Tech's infrastructure, and the ability to achieve his goals with a team approach. CALS and VAES have benefitted greatly from Patrick’s guidance and service on numerous initiatives to modernize facilities, optimize operational efficiency, and promote environmental stewardship.”

Lonnie Johnson, senior associate director for field operations and administration, Virginia Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has worked for Virginia Tech since 1997.

John Thompson, northwest district director for the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), wrote in a letter of nomination: “Lonnie is the consummate professional. His integrity is recognized and appreciated by all. He often had to deal with challenging personnel and fiscal issues. His focus was always on what is the right thing for VCE but acted with compassion and consideration of all involved. His steady temperament is greatly appreciated as he deals with these challenging and sometimes contentious issues.”

Meredith Ledlie, project associate with the family nutrition program for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2012.

Elena Serrano, associate professor for human nutrition, foods, and exercise, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Meredith has made a tremendous impact across Virginia through her exceptional leadership, communication, facilitation and partnership-building skills, and creative and innovative approach to address barriers to food access, and strategic vision.”

Phaedra Lewis, director of operations for the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering has worked for Virginia Tech since 2001.

Mehdi Ahmadian, J. Bernard Jones, chair and director for mechanical engineering, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Phaedra leads and motivates a group of 25 staff in the mechanical engineering department by example, through the high standards that she sets for herself. Her work performance, leadership, and dedication to excellence have not only significantly enhanced the efficiency of the department but have also inspired and uplifted the entire staff.”

Robert Marcum, business manager for the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2012.

Calvin Ribbens, department head for computer science, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Robert has been a remarkably effective and diligent business officer for our department for nine years. In normal times, his role is highly demanding. It requires both technical expertise and the ability to deal wisely and graciously with faculty, staff, and students who have strong opinions about contentious topics such as money and space.”

James Newcomer, general engineering advising coordinator for the Department of Engineering Education in the College of Engineering, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2015.

Jenny Lo, senior instructor for engineering education, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Mr. Newcomer’s performance has enhanced the work of others ranging from colleagues to graduate students. He intentionally integrated research into academic advising practices and made space for individual advisors to explore their own relevant research interests within advising. He connected engineering education graduate students with personnel across the university to facilitate their research, and he worked with a departmental post-doc to analyze existing academic advising data, revealing new insights into the experiences of our students.” 

Barbara Niederlehner, laboratory coordinator for the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science, has worked for Virginia Tech since 1985.

Cayelan Carey, professor of biological sciences, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Bobbie has trained multiple generations of scholars in the fundamental scientific method and a hands-on practical approach to producing quality data. Indeed, Bobbie’s dedication to students has far exceeded expectations, and she has consistently helped students through challenging analytical problems across a broad spectrum of stream and soil environments and many instrument platforms.”

Alexandra Poetter, director of program management office for the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2012.

Eric Paterson, executive director for VTNSI, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Alex has been an outstanding supervisor, colleague, and friend to us for many years, and we feel honored to work alongside someone who so fully embodies what it means to live by the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Throughout her career at Virginia Tech, Alex has pushed for excellence in program execution on her programs, within the Hume Center, and VTNSI. She is proud to be the longest standing employee of VTNSI and supports many aspects of the institute with her background knowledge of the organization.”

Leisa Shelor, interim senior director of benefits and HR administration for the Division of Human Resources (HR), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2001.

Erin Moleon, retirement analyst for HR, wrote in a letter of nomination: “The fact that Leisa manages a large team of employees while maintaining a high level of involvement in daily operations showcases her leadership and organizational skills. Her commitment to reviewing daily work issues, despite a busy calendar of daily meetings, reflects a strong work ethic and dedication to the success of human resources and the university.”

Roberto Silva, head of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Health Sciences and Technology Library for Research Collaboration and Engagement in the University Libraries, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2020.

Kyrille Goldbeck DeBose, director of Health Science Libraries, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Roberto is a consummate professional and is someone who you truly want to work with every day. He is dedicated, thoughtful, creative, inclusive, and collaborative. Roberto showed his adaptability to adversity when he was tasked with opening and managing a new library space during the pandemic.”

Joalenn Tabor, health systems science and interprofessional practice domain director in the Health Systems and Implementation Science department for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2017.

Jaclyn Nunziato, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at VTCSOM, wrote in a letter of nomination: “In tackling her responsibilities, Joalenn has consistently demonstrated an inventive, creative, and problem-solving approach. She has a knack for thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to challenges. This quality has not only made her contributions stand out but has also inspired others within her medical school to adopt a similar mindset.”