Michael J. Weaver, professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, director of Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs and Extension coordinator of pesticide programming, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the university community since 1980, Weaver made significant contributions to entomology and the safety of the general public through his work as the director of the Virginia Tech Pesticide Program, focusing on pesticide safety education. 

Throughout his career, Weaver was the principal or co-principal investigator on several grants supporting Virginia Cooperative Extension's Pesticide Safety Education program.

Weaver was the creator and organizer of Hokie BugFest and Hokie BugCamps and a long-time leader of the W.B. Alwood Entomological Society, the Department of Entomology’s student-run professional organization named in honor of the Virginia Tech professor who taught from 1888 to 1904. Since its inception in 1966, Alwood Society members have engaged more than 30,000 children through department tours, school visits, and special events like Hokie BugFest. 

Weaver received the Andy Swiger Land Grant Award and the Extension Excellence Award in 2009.

A member of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, and the Entomological Society of America, Weaver received his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

Share this story