Thomas A. Jenssen honored with emeritus status

Thomas A. Jenssen of Blacksburg, associate professor of biological sciences in College of Science 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 1971, Jenssen received fellowships from the National Institutes of Health to conduct research at Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institute to conduct research at the National Zoological Park, and the Department of Energy to conduct research at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory as a visiting scientist. He served on editorial boards of three professional journals, as the associate editor for the Journal of Herpetology for four years, and as the editor-in-chief of Herpetologica for three years. In addition, he wrote more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Jenssen received his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Redlands, a master’s degree from the University of Southern Illinois, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.

The College of Science at Virginia Tech gives students a comprehensive foundation in the scientific method. Outstanding faculty members teach courses and conduct research in biology, chemistry, economics, geosciences, mathematics, physics, psychology, and statistics. The college is dedicated to fostering a research intensive environment and offers programs in nano-scale and biological sciences, information theory and science, and supports research centers—in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, and critical technology and applied science—that encompass other colleges at the university. The College of Science also houses programs in pre-medicine and scientific law. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.