Heather Gumbert honored with emerita status
Heather Gumbert, associate professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate 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 22 years, Gumbert taught a wide range of courses including the First-Year Experience course, the Freshman Honors Residential College Seminar, and courses in European history, German history, and the Cold War while also serving as associate chair and director of undergraduate studies from 2016-19.
Gumbert mentored numerous students through both the Department of History and the Honors College and authored a book as well as numerous articles, book chapters, book reviews, and conference reports published in prestigious academic venues. She served as the founding associate faculty principal of the Honors Residential College and later as the faculty principal of the Honors Residential College. She played an active role in operations of what is now the Center for European Union and Transatlantic Studies.
Her highly respected work on the history of media and Cold War politics in the German Democratic Republic brought Virginia Tech national and international visibility. Her contributions have been recognized through awards, including the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Certificate of Teaching Excellence, the Award for Excellence in Administration, the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Student Advising, the Edward S. Diggs Teaching Scholar Award, the Engaged Department Award from the Center for Student Engagement and Partnerships, and the Favorite Faculty Award from the Division of Student Affairs.
Gumbert received her bachelor’s degree from Trent University in Canada and her master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.
