J. Dean O'Donnell honored with emeritus status

J. Dean O’Donnell of Blacksburg, associate professor of history in College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, was conferred the "associate professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting August 27.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1970, O’Donnell contributed to scholarly research through his authorship of a book, six articles, and 12 encyclopedia or dictionary entries related to French diplomatic or ecclesiastical history. He also served on committees of the American Catholic Historical Association and the French Colonial Historical Society. He also served as the faculty adviser to Virginia Tech’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society.

O’Donnell received his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech embraces the arts, humanities, social and human sciences, and education. The college nurtures intellect and spirit, enlightens decision-making, inspires positive change, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. It is home to the departments of apparel, housing and resource management, communication, educational leadership and policy studies, English, foreign languages and literatures, history; human development, interdisciplinary studies, music, philosophy, political science, ROTC, science and technology in society, sociology, teaching and learning, and theatre arts. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.