2024 Administrative and Professional Faculty Award recipients named

Three employees received this year’s Administrative and Professional (A/P) Faculty Award, which recognizes A/P faculty for their extraordinary contributions, accomplishments, and consistent performance for Virginia Tech.

The recognition program highlights the integral roles that A/P faculty, which number approximately 2,500 Virginia Tech employees, hold as they lead and manage a variety of positions.

“Our administrative and professional faculty play a crucial role in making Virginia Tech thrive,” said Bryan Garey, vice president for human resources. “Their commitment, expertise, and call to service contribute significantly to the university’s mission and strategic goals.”

The 2024 A/P Faculty Award recipients are the following:

Monica Crouse, interim HR service center manager for the Division of Human Resources (HR), has worked for Virginia Tech since 2019.  

Michael McCoy, human resources manager for the division, wrote in a letter of nomination: “The result of Monica’s hard work has benefitted HR and the university by enhancing the employees’ knowledge base, improving customer service, reducing wait times, and building a collaborative team environment. I believe these examples demonstrate the extraordinary asset Monica is to the university and how she embodies the Hokie Spirit.”

Lonnie Johnson, senior associate director for field operations and administration for Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has worked for Virginia Tech since 1997.

John Thompson, northwest district director for Extension, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Lonnie is the consummate professional. His integrity is recognized and appreciated by all. He often had to deal with challenging personnel and fiscal issues. His focus was always on what is the right thing for VCE but acted with compassion and consideration of all involved. His steady temperament is greatly appreciated as he deals with these challenging and sometimes contentious issues.”

Roberto Silva, head of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Health Sciences and Technology Library for Research Collaboration and Engagement in the University Libraries, has worked for Virginia Tech since 2020.

Kyrille Goldbeck DeBose, director of Health Science Libraries, wrote in a letter of nomination: “Roberto is a consummate professional and is someone who you truly want to work with every day. He is dedicated, thoughtful, creative, inclusive, and collaborative. Roberto showed his adaptability to adversity when he was tasked with opening and managing a new library space during the pandemic.”

In addition to this year’s recipients, congratulations to the following 2024 A/P Faculty Award nominees:

• Kimberly Ascue, director of information technology for the Office of the Dean for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
• Sarah Bechtel, associate director of undergraduate advising and academic initiatives for the College of Science
• Rituraj Borgohain, core research facility manager for the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science
• Ashley Crawford, director of finance for the Pamplin College of Business
• Yancey Crawford, associate director, faculty development and administration, for the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment
• Michelle Dalton, general chemistry lab supervisor for the Department of Chemistry in the College of Science
• Gannon Davis, director of finance and deputy chief of staff for the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities
• Laura Hamm, manager of technical writing and editing for the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
• Bryan Hanson, graduate student ombudsperson for the Graduate School
• Patrick Hilt, director of college facilities for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Meredith Ledlie, project associate with the family nutrition program for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Phaedra Lewis, director of operations for the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering
• Robert Marcum, business manager for the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering
• James Newcomer, general engineering advising coordinator for the Department of Engineering Education in the College of Engineering
• Barbara Niederlehner, laboratory coordinator for the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science
• Alexandra Poetter, director of program management office for the Virginia Tech National Security Institute
• Leisa Shelor, interim senior director of benefits and HR administration for the Division of Human Resources
• Joalenn Tabor, health systems science and interprofessional practice domain director in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science in the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Find more information about this year’s recipients and nominees.