Virginia Tech Board of Visitors names new and returning faculty and staff representatives
Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors has named a new faculty board representative this fall, adding Rachel Miles, research impact coordinator and assistant professor in University Libraries.
At its meeting June 10-11, the board also announced that Janice Austin, assistant dean and director of admissions and academic progress in the Graduate School, and LaTawnya Burleson, executive assistant to the vice president for information technology, will renew their terms as administrative and professional (AP) faculty and staff representatives, respectively.
The board established the faculty representative position in 1988, 14 years before the General Assembly required it, to create a channel for more direct communication. Participation in governance bodies is critical for representing faculty interests, shaping academic policies, and participating in institutional decision-making processes.
Miles considers it both a privilege and honor to serve.
“My aspiration is to uphold Virginia Tech's core values and contribute to the university's mission,” she said. “Virginia Tech's faculty members are exceptionally talented, creative, and insightful. By advancing our mission and representing the faculty, I aim to inspire and support their academic pursuits.”
Burleson expressed similar motivations. She will continue “advocating for staff interests and contributing to the university’s governance, work to create a collegial climate, address staff and non-student wage support issues, and ensure that staff perspectives are understood.”
She further noted that the board is engaged, dedicated and welcoming. “I found that they listen intently to issues raised and advocate for solutions. The Hokie Nation is fortunate to have this board representing them,” said Burleson.
The joy of serving others
Also, Burleson spoke to her reasons for serving, saying “I have always felt the importance of giving voice to voiceless and empowering others to lead.”
For Austin, service began early in her career at Virginia Tech, when work as part of a cohort paired her with a mentor who encouraged her to become involved with governance. “I would love for all members of the VT community to become engaged in university governance, whether it be staying attuned to the happenings in governance and the board, or becoming active in a Senate and possibly the constituent rep to the board.”
Miles said service gives her a sense of purpose. She has been involved with the Faculty Senate for six years via two subcommittees and a task force she chaired to draft and finalize the Statement on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics, an aspirational statement that was officially endorsed by the university in May.
“Serving as the unified voice of Virginia Tech's faculty presents a challenging responsibility,” said Miles, “Yet it offers a rare opportunity to contribute and fulfill a role larger than myself. Hokie Nation is truly a global community – I once ran into a Hokie while visiting Rome – and I believe that serving on the board is about serving the university, the region, and the greater global community.”
