Alexander O. Aning honored with emeritus status
Alexander O. Aning, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus 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 33 years, Aning played a pivotal role in designing and developing the engineering education Ph.D. program, chairing the committee charged with developing its curriculum.
Aning mentored more than 60 undergraduate researchers, many of whom pursued graduate degrees, including one recognized as the College of Engineering Outstanding Senior, and he hosted international undergraduate researchers from China, Italy, and Germany as part of their academic training. He enriched the educational experiences of students through study abroad programs in China and Ghana, integrating cultural engagement with hands-on research in sustainable materials.
Aning established and led the College of Engineering’s first Diversity Committee and helped develop the Diversity Undergraduate Research Program. He served the university in key leadership roles, including associate director of the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development and acting associate department head of materials science and engineering.
Aning served as advisor to multiple student organizations and participated on numerous department, college, and university committees, including chairing several of them. His extensive and dedicated service to Virginia Tech earned him the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service.
Aning received his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
