Lucinda Roy honored with emerita status
Lucinda Roy, an Alumni Distinguished Professor 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 39 years, Roy has authored multiple books, including novels, poetry collections, a critically acclaimed memoir-critique, as well as numerous poems, stories, and essays published in prestigious literary journals and anthologies. Roy served as the chair of the Department of English and co-director of creative writing from 2002-06 and as associate dean for curriculum, outreach and diversity. She also served on many committees at the department, college, and university levels.
Roy received numerous grants and awards, including the Eighth Mountain Poetry Prize, the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Richmond.
In the classroom, she taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in creative writing, literature, and African American studies.
Throughout her career, Roy was a mentor and advisor for numerous students. She also chaired Master of Fine Arts thesis committees and served on others, contributing significantly to the development of emerging writers.
Roy received her bachelor’s degree from King's College London and her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
Written by Anja Hemesath, a senior and a student writer for Virginia Tech Communications and Marketing.
