Edward F. Fern honored with emeritus status
Edward F. Fern, of Blacksburg, professor of marketing in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech, was conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting Nov. 12.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A faculty member of Virginia Tech since 1981, Fern made significant contributions in research on focus group methods in marketing research, professional selling, and channels of distribution. His books and other academic publications number more than 30. He provided numerous services to the profession and the business community, serving as a reviewer for journals and participating in academic and business conferences.
He has been recognized with the Pamplin College of Business Ph.D. Teaching Excellence Award.
Fern received his bachelor’s degree, M.B.A., and Ph.D. from Ohio State University.
Virginia Tech’s nationally ranked Pamplin College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting and information systems, business information technology, economics, finance, hospitality and tourism management, management, and marketing. The college emphasizes the development of ethical values and leadership, technology, and international business skills. A member of its marketing faculty directs the interdisciplinary Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center at Virginia Tech. The college’s other centers focus on business leadership, business diversity, electronic commerce, organizational performance, and services innovation. The college, committed to serving business and society through the expertise of its faculty, alumni, and students, is named in honor of Robert B. Pamplin (Class of 1933), the former CEO of Georgia-Pacific, and his son, businessman and philanthropist Robert B. Pamplin Jr. (Class of 1964). Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
