Mark Sanders honored with emeritus status

Mark Sanders, professor of teaching and learning in the School of Education in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the “professor emeritus” title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members 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 member of the Virginia Tech community since 1980, Sanders was a pioneer in integrative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. His research focus on the integration of technology, science, and mathematics education, including teaching and curriculum development, was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Technical Foundation of America.

He made significant contributions in the field of technology education through his work in graphic communications, integration of technology with science and mathematics education, and preparation of education and engineering professionals. He led the transition of teacher education professionals through their evolution from industrial arts education to technology education and now to integrative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Sanders impacted the lives of countless technology education professionals through his prolific publications—particularly as the most-published chapter author in the highly respected yearbook series of the Council on Technology Teacher Education, thus setting standards for the evolution of the profession.

He received 18 national and state awards for his research, exemplary teaching, and service to his profession and was recognized as being a lead historian in the field of technology education.

Sanders received his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Oswego, a master’s degree from Illinois State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.