Virginia Tech is honoring eight faculty members for outstanding leadership and service with induction into the Academy of Faculty Leadership and Academy of Faculty Service.

Through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, the academies honor the exemplary contributions of faculty members of all classifications in formal service roles or in areas of leadership.

Eileen Van Aken, head of the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, earned induction into both the Academy of Faculty Service and the Academy of Faculty Leadership in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to her department, the College of Engineering, and the university. Guided by a leadership philosophy centered on transparency, investment in people, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, Van Aken has consistently advanced initiatives that foster faculty, staff, and student success.

In the Academy of Faculty Service are: 

  • Danna Agmon, associate professor, history, was inducted is based on her enthusiastic dedication to her role as faculty principal of the West Ambler Johnson Residential College. She created an intellectual community for roughly 800 students over six years, shaping the experience for over 4,800 students. 
  • Justin Lemkul, associate professor, biochemistry, was inducted as a result of his consistent, high-level commitment to exemplary service, serving as an exceptional model of collegiality, and a major contributor to the Faculty Senate as senator, ensuring the views and concerns of biochemistry are considered and represented.
  • Nikki Lewis, collegiate associate professor and methods lead, Honors College, was inducted in recognition of her contributions to the Office of Undergraduate Research Advisory Board, the Reframing Non-Tenure Track Faculty Institutional Transformation Task Force, numerous search committees and for her dedication to serving the Honors College and instruction of Professional Development Network courses.

In the Academy of Faculty Leadership are:

  • Irving Coy Allen, professor and assistant head for research support, biomedical sciences and pathobiology, was inducted for his extensive cross-campus and cross-discipline collaborations, making him a key figure in Virginia Tech’s oncology research program. As a translational immunologist in a highly active cancer research group, his leadership enables interdisciplinary collaboration and his work in infectious and inflammatory disease immunology has advanced vaccine and drug development.
  • David Knight, professor and chief of strategy, engineering education, was inducted based on his leadership as chief of strategy and assistant department head for graduate programs and for research and engagement. As chief of strategy, he puts the College of Engineering’s strategic plan into operation, coordinating across the dean’s leadership team, departments, and units in research, teaching, service, and advancement.
  • Eric Paterson, executive director of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute and the Rolls-Royce Commonwealth Professor of Marine Propulsion, aerospace and ocean engineering, was inducted in recognition of his exceptional leadership as founding director of the National Security Institute and department head for aerospace and ocean engineering, where he advanced a culture of collaborative leadership by creating three assistant department head positions, delegating key responsibilities in undergraduate affairs, graduate affairs, and department facilities.
  • Calvin Ribbens, professor, computer science, was inducted for his outstanding and creative success as department head, leading the department through unprecedented growth thanks to his rigorous recruitment efforts, guidance in increasing the endowment, establishment of new positions for external engagement and faculty development, and acquisition of and planning for new space.

“Outstanding faculty are the foundation for academic and research excellence at Virginia Tech, elevated by their strength of scholarship, collaboration, and commitment to student service and success,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke. “I congratulate each new member of these academies and thank them for their leadership and contributions. Their efforts not only advance our institutional mission and strategic priorities but also inspire the next generation of scholars and servant leaders.”

Faculty nominated for membership in the Academy of Faculty Leadership must have shown exemplary leadership in formal or informal roles within the university and through activities and approaches that significantly advance a culture of collaborative leadership.

Academy of Faculty Service nominees must have successfully completed an elected or appointed term of office in university governance, completed the assignment or set of responsibilities associated with a university-level project, or made commendable service contributions at the university level outside of usual responsibilities and ongoing formal governance roles.

For a list of current and past members, visit the Academy of Faculty Service and Academy of Faculty Leadership webpages. 

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