Ronald Daniel honored with emeritus status

Ronald W. Daniel, associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "associate provost and professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members 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 for 32 years, Daniel initiated and championed the university's Common Book Project, inviting authors to campus and engaging faculty and students in university-wide discussion to strengthen a shared intellectual experience. Under his leadership, the Core Curriculum was reviewed and revitalized, resulting in the Curriculum for Liberal Education, a key element of undergraduate education at Virginia Tech today.

Daniel also provided leadership to the Undergraduate Honor System which promotes the highest possible standard of intellectual and scholar conduct within the community. He took great interest in education abroad, accompanying students on European study tours, overseeing the Center for European Studies and Architecture in Riva, Switzerland, for a period of time, and advocating for international student experiences.

In the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, he served as chair of the Foundation Architecture Program for more than eight years, department head for four years, and was a faculty leader in undergraduate curriculum matters.

He received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech and a master's degree from Harvard University.