College of Agriculture and Life Sciences appoints leader for agricultural technology program
Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has named Pavli Mykerezi of Blacksburg, Va., director of the agricultural technology program. Mykerezi led the agricultural technology program – the university's only two-year degree program – on an interim basis for the past year.
“Dr. Mykerezi is an enthusiastic teacher and dedicated to the students in the college’s agricultural technology program. I am excited that we will continue to benefit from his extensive leadership experience and am confident that the program will remain on its strong trajectory of excellence,” said Susan Sumner, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Pavli’s broad expertise and passion for agriculture ensure that the graduates of Virginia Tech’s only two-year program hit the ground running when they start their careers in the agricultural and green industries.”
In commenting on his goal for the agricultural technology program, Mykerezi said, “I believe that the [agricultural technology] program is a viable, worthy, and important component of the educational mandate of our college. We will continue to fulfill the mission of the program to prepare top quality, associate’s degree graduates who are able to address the technical and management-level needs of a rapidly changing and diverse agricultural industry. The [agricultural technology] program has earned the reputation of providing a quality educational experience that integrates applied techniques and academic knowledge. We will work harder to build upon this legacy. We will bring new ideas into the classroom, inspiring students to become excellent professionals and citizens.”
A teacher for more than 32 years, Mykerezi started teaching in the agricultural technology program in 2000 and was promoted to advanced instructor in 2009. His prior work experience includes an appointment with the Albanian Ministry of Education and the director general position for the largest polytechnic institute in Korca, Albania, where he directed and coordinated educational, administrative, and counseling activities.
Mykerezi has secured several assessment and teaching grants and has been honored for his efforts with the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture’s Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit and the Rufus W. Beamer Professional Development Award. He received his Ph.D. in career and technical education from Virginia Tech, his master’s degree in vocational and technical education from Virginia Tech, and his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tirana, Albania.
