Rebecca Bott-Knutson named dean of Virginia Tech Honors College

Rebecca Bott-Knutson, dean of the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College at South Dakota State University, has been named the next dean of the Virginia Tech Honors College.

Bott-Knutson will assume leadership of the Honors College on July 1, succeeding Paul L. Knox, who announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of service to the university.

“As a highly respected leader in honors education, Becky brings an impressive track record of service and scholarship to Virginia Tech’s Honors College,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke. “Her accomplishments and dedication to student-centered education and academic excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to experiential learning, foster curiosity and discovery and elevate the areas of distinction that define Virginia Tech. I look forward to working with Becky and welcoming her as part of our university community.”

Since joining South Dakota State in 2009, Bott-Knutson has provided leadership for curriculum, programming, strategic initiatives, and community engagement and contributed to the university’s mission through teaching, research, and outreach – first as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science and since 2016, as dean of the Fishback Honors College. She brings leadership experience in academic operations, particularly in undergraduate program development, and a record of effective leadership in building productive teams of students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

“The people and practices of the Honors College at Virginia Tech are at the forefront of my desire to relocate to Blacksburg and lead this exceptional community,” said Bott-Knutson. “I am inspired by the institution’s commitment to advancing higher education through transdisciplinary experiences. The Honors College was strategically built upon these rich practices, uniting students across disciplines to address complex, real-world challenges.”

An active leader in honors education, Bott-Knutson serves on the Professional Development and Membership committees of the National Collegiate Honors Council and the Student Engagement Committee for the Council on Honors Education. She also directs The Justice Challenge program, a federally funded initiative that prepares students to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Bott-Knutson has authored 27 articles and book chapters on honors education since 2018 and was named a fellow of the National Collegiate Honors Council in 2024. She is dedicated to advancing higher education through innovation, integrity, and engagement.

Responsibilities as dean of the Honors College include strategic and administrative leadership of the college, managing a dynamic program within the context of a large, complex institution, and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation and advancing areas of strength and excellence. The distinctive pedagogy and curriculum of the Honors College is formulated around the idea of collaborative discovery, which Knox prioritized during his tenure as dean.

“I want to thank Dean Paul Knox for his outstanding leadership and service to the Honors College and Virginia Tech over the past four decades,” Clarke said. “His vision, dedication, and innovative approach to creating unique programs and opportunities for students sets a strong foundation for future success.”

Bott-Knutson earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master's degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Ph.D. in biomedical science from Colorado State University. She also holds certificates in systems thinking, change management, and leadership and management.

“I am truly humbled to serve as the next dean, and I look forward to collaborating with this dynamic, innovative team,” Bott-Knutson said. “Together, we will build on this strong foundation to make a lasting impact – both within honors education and across the broader academic community – ensuring that our graduates are prepared to make a profound difference in the world.”