Mary Ann Lewis named director of first year experiences at Virginia Tech
Mary Ann Lewis, associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been named the university's first director of first year experiences in the Office of the Provost.
In this newly established position, Lewis will provide leadership to the university's commitment to improving the first-year experiences for Virginia Tech's freshman and transfer students. Over the past two years, the university has developed a plan for the design and implementation of first year experiences for all students.
To ensure full implementation of the plan, Lewis will work with each college, student affairs, and other resources on campus to create and establish appropriate first-year experiences across the university. She will have additional responsibilities including the academic aspects of new student orientation held each June and July, the University Honor System, the Common Book Project, and computer requirements for all incoming students.
"I am delighted that Dr. Lewis has agreed to provide leadership for this very important element of our undergraduate education experience," said Daniel Wubah, vice president and dean for undergraduate education. "Her commitment to undergraduate excellence will further strengthen Virginia Tech's reputation as a leader in undergraduate education at major research universities."
A member of the Virginia Tech community for 33 years, Lewis was the founding associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences when the college was created in 2003. From 1996 to 2003, she was associate dean for academic affairs in Virginia Tech's former College of Human Resources and Education and assistant dean and coordinator of teacher education from 1983 to 1996 in the former College of Education where she served as an assistant professor and coordinator of student teaching from 1976 to 1983.
She has served on numerous academic related committees and commissions at Virginia Tech including the Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies, the University Academic Appeals Committee, the SACS QEP Implementation Committee, the University Advisory Council on Strategic Budgeting and Planning, and the Task Force on Enhancing Student Engagement.
She received her bachelor's degree and master's degree from Georgia Southern University and an Ed.D. from Virginia Tech.
