Jane Ann Wemhoener honored with emerita status

Jane Ann Wemhoener, senior instructor of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of senior instructor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emerita title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 20 years, Wemhoener taught more than 15 undergraduate courses examining the scope and depth of literatures across the globe. Her teaching has been recognized with a Certificate of Teaching Excellence, the 2012 Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, and gaining entrance into Virginia Tech’s exclusive Academy of Teaching Excellence.

Wemhoener made significant contributions to international education and curriculum development initiatives in Virginia, at Virginia Tech, and abroad. She served as the first and only executive director of the Virginia Council for International Education and as the international programs coordinator for the Department of English. Wemhoener also received Virginia Tech’s International Faculty Development Award, promoted international faculty development opportunities, and developed five international education programs for Virginia Tech students.

In addition, she facilitated leadership, service learning, and civic engagement experiences through local, national, and international outreach initiatives. She also chaired and served on Virginia Tech’s Commission on Outreach and International Affairs, and she received her college’s Award for Excellence in Outreach and the Outstanding Service-Learning Educator Award. In addition, she established partnerships between her students and numerous non-profit organizations.

Wemhoener served as the assistant director of the university’s professional writing program.

She received her bachelor's degree and master’s degree from Saint Louis University and completed coursework for her Ph.D. at Ohio State University.