Frank Shushok Jr. honored for contributions to student learning
Frank Shushok Jr., senior associate vice president for student affairs and assistant professor of higher education at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as a Diamond Honoree by the ACPA-College Student Educators International.
Diamond Honorees are selected on the basis of their continued and significant influence on the quality of the college student experience. The designation honors individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to higher education, to the student affairs profession, and to scholarly research and discourse on student learning.
“As a scholar-practitioner, Frank is known for his profound commitment to student learning and learning-centered leadership; his community-centered approach; his commitment to diversity and inclusivity; and his desire to help others reach their fullest potential,” said Patty Perillo, vice president for student affairs. “He has an unwavering commitment and his scholarship is exemplary. He is a model for what it means to embody the academy’s commitment to teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and service.”
Shushok has more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership at five institutions of higher learning and in higher education professional organizations including Baylor University; the University of Maryland, College Park; Northern Arizona University; and The Ohio State University.
As an educator, teacher, scholar, administrator, educational consultant, and researcher, Shushok is especially known for building effective, collaborative programs between student and academic affairs.
Since 2009 when he came to Virginia Tech, Shushok has been responsible for Housing and Residence Life, Student Conduct, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Dining Services, and Career Services. He has led significant initiatives to provide holistic learning environments for students, including strengthening and expanding the universities living-learning communities; introducing a positive psychology and strengths-based approach in student affairs programs; and implementing the Aspirations for Student Learning.
This past summer, Shushok was named executive editor for About Campus, a widely read magazine for educators devoted to issues, policies, and practices that influence the learning experiences of college students.
Shushok received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park; a master's degree from The Ohio State University; and a bachelor's degree from Baylor University.
He will be recognized as a Diamond Honoree at the ACPA-College Student Educators International annual meeting.
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.
