College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences appoints Rachel Holloway to associate dean
Associate Professor Rachel Holloway, former head of the Department of Communication, has been appointed associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs in Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
As associate dean, Holloway will provide leadership in the areas of undergraduate education and student services within the college. In this position, she will offer guidance in undergraduate research, scholarship awards, and university initiatives, including the development of the college's response to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
“The college is fortunate to have Rachel Holloway on its administrative team,” said Sue Ott Rowlands, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. “Her expertise in undergraduate curriculum and enrollment management, her love of teaching and advising, and her commitment to serving the students make her the ideal candidate.”
Holloway, who began her new position on July 1, says she has many goals for undergraduate education in the college. “Our Undergraduate Research Institute is an exciting program,” said Holloway, “and I want to support and extend its work throughout the college. We also are committed to building education abroad opportunities for students.”
A faculty member at Virginia Tech since 1989, Holloway was head of the Department of Communication from 2002 until June 30, 2009. Additional leadership roles include chair of the Public Relations Division of the National Communication Association and member of the Department Heads Council Executive Committee.
Prior to her position as department head, Holloway was assistant department head from January to August 2002 and undergraduate program coordinator from 2000 to 2002. From 1991 to 1997, she was appointed coordinator of public speaking, and she became an associate professor in 1995.
A winner of the Virginia Tech Certificate of Teaching Excellence and the Alumni Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Academic Advising, Holloway is recognized at Virginia Tech for her support of undergraduate education, and her participation in curriculum, strategic planning, recruitment, orientation, and development activities. She has written numerous published works and she provides frequent training seminars for community and professional groups, such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Virginia Association of Local Government Managers, among others.
Holloway received her bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University and her master’s and doctoral degrees in communication at Purdue University.
Written by Lindsey Love, of Stafford, Va., a 2009 graduate who received a degree in communication from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
