Edward F. D. Spencer appointed vice president for student affairs

Edward F. D. Spencer of Blacksburg, Va., has been appointed vice president for student affairs at Virginia Tech.

Spencer, who was appointed interim vice president for student affairs following the death of Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, was appointed to the position on a three year term, effective Nov. 1, 2008.

University Provost Mark McNamee said, “Ed Spencer’s experience and commitment to the Division of Student Affairs will provide us with great leadership at this critical time. He will continue along the path blazed by Dr. Zenobia Lawrence Hikes.”

As chief executive officer for the Division of Student Affairs, Spencer will oversee 15 university departments including areas such as housing and dining, career services, university unions and student activities, international and multicultural programs, recreational sports, student health services, and the corps of cadets.

Spencer said, “As a member of the university community for over 25 years, it is with honor that I accept the position as vice president for student affairs. Over the next three years I will continue to build strong relationships with the academic community and forge ahead with the mission of student affairs — a division that cares about students and is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all.”

Spencer began his professional career in student affairs at the University of Delaware in 1970 where he held three different positions. Spencer has spent the past 25 years dedicated to student life at Virginia Tech when in 1983 he was named director of housing and residence life. He then became director of residential and dining programs in 1989, was named assistant vice president for student affairs in 1996, and, subsequently, associate vice president in 2004 and interim vice president in 2008.

Spencer received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rochester, his master’s degree in student personnel administration in higher education from Syracuse University, and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Delaware. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s Management Development Program.