The late Robert Richards, who served as a professor in the College of Education and the College of Human Resources and Education (now known as the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences) at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" title posthumously 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 since 1979, Richards worked to promote Virginia Tech in the Hampton Roads area. He was the program leader of the School of Education’s educational leadership program in Hampton Roads.

As a professor, Richards was a dedicated teacher of leadership coursework offered at the advanced graduate level at the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center. Highly regarded by students, he advised and counseled many students through their doctoral studies. Richards also made significant contributions to the university through regional and national presentations regarding governance and human relations issues.

Written by Krystyne Hayes. Hayes, of Front Royal, Va., holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

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