Emily Holt Foerst appointed to Virginia Tech Academy of Faculty Leadership
The assistant dean for student affairs, Holt Foerst is the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s first faculty member to receive the universitywide recognition.
Emily Holt Foerst, assistant dean for student affairs, and director of academic counseling and enrichment services at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), has been appointed to the Virginia Tech Academy of Faculty Leadership.
The academy, supported by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated sustained and exemplary leadership in service to the university. Inductees are selected for their ability to strengthen institutional effectiveness, foster collaboration, and advance Virginia Tech’s mission through strategic, inclusive leadership.
“My appointment to the Academy of Faculty Leadership is an honor made even more special by the fact that I am the first faculty member from VTCSOM to receive this recognition,” Holt Foerst said. “Joining the academy offers me the opportunity to build upon my work in student affairs, which is grounded in a holistic and student-centered philosophy. It provides a valuable space to connect with colleagues across the university and bring new perspectives back to our Health Sciences and Technology campus and the medical school.”
Holt Foerst said the recognition reinforces the importance of thoughtful and collaborative leadership in shaping environments where students can thrive.
“Whether we are supporting health and wellness programs, guiding students through high-stakes milestones such as the Step exams, or developing new academic and student support initiatives, my goal is always to continually improve structures and programs that promote student well-being, belonging, and lifelong learning,” she said. “I believe this appointment will help me continue building programs that support student success while contributing to institutional collaboration and growth across Virginia Tech.”
Holt Foerst, who has been with the medical school since June of 2014, serves as a central connector for medical students in Roanoke. She is a member of the university’s student affairs leadership team, where she helps strengthen alignment between Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus and the medical school campus. Her efforts have focused on ensuring students in Roanoke have equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities available across the university.
“Dr. Holt Foerst is a tireless advocate for students, empowering them to reach their fullest potential while providing a safe, supportive space to navigate both academic and personal challenges. Her unwavering commitment to elevating the student experience inspires everyone around her,” said Amanda Murchison, associate dean for student affairs at the medical school.
Holt Foerst facilitates the Virginia Tech Health Sciences and Technology wellness team, which coordinates health and wellness programming and resources for all students on the Health Sciences and Technology (HS&T) campus, including nearly 200 students at the medical school. Through this work, she has helped strengthen communication among campus partners and expand proactive support services designed to meet the demands of medical education.
Colleagues describe Holt Foerst as a collaborative and thoughtful leader who advocates for multiple perspectives and approaches complex challenges with both empathy and strategic focus. Her work has helped lay a foundation for student-centered planning and long-term sustainability at the medical school.
“As VTCSOM continues to grow, it will be essential for us to maintain strong and intentional student support and well-being initiatives. Growth brings exciting opportunities, but it also requires careful attention to ensuring that students continue to feel seen, known, and supported,” she said. “One priority will be ensuring that we maintain a learning environment that fosters inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety which creates space for students to feel comfortable reaching out for support while also fully engaging in their higher education experience. We can then build on that by continuing to expand our academic counseling and enrichment services.
“Another priority is continuing to build upon our strong relationship with the VT main campus. Our partnerships with Rec Sports, Cook Counseling, Student Engagement and Campus Life, Hokie Wellness, and the Dean of Students Office — just to name a few — are central to our work in supporting student well-being because these relationships help us reinforce and expand our systems of student support on the HS&T campus.”
