Frank Shushok, senior associate vice president for student affairs at Virginia Tech, will serve as the university’s interim vice president for student affairs when Patty Perillo departs for a position at the University of Maryland.

Shushok will work closely with Perillo to accomplish a smooth transition in leadership before her departure at the end of the year. Virginia Tech Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril Clarke will announce a national search later this fall.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2009, Shushok oversees several key student support areas in Student Affairs, including the Cranwell International Center, Dean of Students Office, Dining Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Learning Partnerships, and Student Conduct. He also is an associate professor in the higher education graduate program in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

“Frank brings a wealth of experience to the interim position,” Clarke said. “He is a thoughtful leader, able to connect his scholarship on the extracurricular student experience with application of best practices in the delivery of programs and services that support holistic education of students.”

Highly regarded in the student affairs profession, Shushok was named a fellow of the American Council on Higher Education in 2017. He is also a Diamond Honoree by the ACPA — College Student Educators International, and was honored by the Association of College and University Housing Officers with its Research and Publication Award.

“For the past 10 years at Virginia Tech and throughout his career in higher education, Frank has been a respected student advocate who has demonstrated a commitment to student learning and success, and a deep understanding of the student experience,” said President Tim Sands. “I am grateful he will transition into this important interim leadership role as we continue to advance in our service to our students and their families.”

From 2013 to 2018, Shushok was the executive editor of About Campus, a national magazine that promotes strengthening the student learning experience in higher education. He received his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. He earned his master’s degree from The Ohio State University and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, both land-grant institutions.

“Virginia Tech and its land-grant mission is deeply compelling for me. Our students are driven by a sense of purpose, and equipped with an intellectual acumen, that I find both humbling and inspiring,” said Shushok. “I’m honored to serve in this interim capacity, especially at such an exciting time in the life of this great institution. I look forward to serving Virginia Tech to support our students and plan for the best organization to meet the future needs of our student community.”

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