Sue Tolin
BLACKSBURG, Va., June 25, 2010 – Sue Tolin, professor of plant pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emerita" 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.
Joining the Virginia Tech community in 1966, Tolin served as a principal or co-principal investigator on grants to conduct research on plant viruses and virus diseases in the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. She authored or co-authored more than 150 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and reviews.
Tolin held leadership positions in professional organizations, including as president of the American Phytopathological Society and was a founding member of their public policy board. She served on science advisory panels and proposal review panels for the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Science Foundation.
Through her work in the Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program, Tolin brought international visibility to Virginia Tech. She received many professional honors and awards, including an Alumni Award for Excellence in International Research. She was also elected as Fellow in three scientific societies.
Tolin provided distinguished contributions to the department, the college, and the university through dedicated service on numerous commissions and committees. In her 44 years with the university, she taught and lectured in undergraduate and graduate courses, directed 12 master’s and 11 doctoral students, and served on over 40 master’s and doctoral committees in 11 university programs.
Tolin holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska.