Heather Wagoner named director of student engagement and campus life
Heather Wagoner joins Virginia Tech as director of student engagement and campus life.
Since 2011, Wagoner has served as associate director of student involvement at the University of Kentucky.
In her new position, she will be responsible for the direction, organization, leadership, and supervision of three student centers, the university chapel, campus events, and the support of student organizations. The director, along with the entire student engagement and campus life team, will work to enhance the student experience by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and learning-centered environment.
“It was clear from the feedback from the search committee, staff, and campus stakeholders that Heather is the right person to lead the student engagement and campus life team,” said Angela Simmons, assistant vice president for student affairs. “She understands the value of student engagement in the creation of a holistic collegiate experience.”
During nearly 10 years at the University of Kentucky, Wagoner oversaw major student programs, managed and developed an annual budget of over $4 million, and coordinated departmental brand management, among many other responsibilities.
“I am thrilled to serve at an institution united in its passion for students, the community, and our state,” said Wagoner. “Positive change abounds in student engagement and campus life. We are embarking on an adventure and I love a good adventure.”
Wagoner received a bachelor's degree from James Madison University, a master's degree from the University of South Carolina, and is pursuing a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.
The Division of Student Affairs aspires to engage students on campus in as many ways as possible while upholding Virginia Tech’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). “We want our students to gain experiences that build curiosity and a desire for life-long exploration,” said Wagoner. “This can happen through student engagement, which is why the work we do is not only vital, but also exceptionally fun.”
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.
