Clair Apodaca honored with emerita status
Clair Apodaca, professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor 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 12 years, Apodaca made significant contributions to the understanding of global governance through her work on foreign aid, human rights, international debt, child hunger, and women’s rights in the Global South by focusing on political methodology in over 50 books, articles, and reports.
Apodaca provided years of significant contributions to the department, college, and university through her dedicated service on a variety of committees. In addition, she supported the advancement of diversity at the department, college, and university levels.
In the classroom, she taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the political science curriculum. Her courses placed a strong emphasis on political methodology and the politics of women’s rights, child malnutrition, and post-disaster societies.
Throughout her career, Apodaca served as a mentor, advising numerous students on master’s theses and helped them develop successful careers in academic, nonprofit, and government settings.
Written by Anja Hemesath, a senior and a student writer for Virginia Tech Communications and Marketing
