BLACKSBURG, Va., June 22, 2007 – Edward H. Sewell of Blacksburg, associate professor of communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, was conferred the title, "associate professor emeritus" by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting June 4.
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 1972, Sewell was a founding member of the communication studies program and a founding member of the Department of Communication. He led curriculum development in the areas of visual media, new communication technologies, and international communication, and initiated and developed the study abroad program for the department.
His research focuses on the impact of visual images in politics and culture. He has written more than 30 articles and book chapters, and presented more than 50 scholarly papers at national and international conferences.
In addition to his teaching and research, Sewell served as president of the Virginia Tech Faculty Senate, and was a member of the university’s Commission on Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Commission on Undergraduate Student Policy, Commission on Student Affairs, and the University Core Curriculum Committee. He also served as the judicial panel faculty representative in the University Honors System and was a board member of the Educational Media Company of Virginia Tech.
Sewell received his bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University, a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University.
The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech embraces the arts, humanities, social and human sciences, and education. The college nurtures intellect and spirit, enlightens decision-making, inspires positive change, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. It is home to the departments of apparel, housing and resource management, communication, educational leadership and policy studies, English, foreign languages and literatures, history; human development, interdisciplinary studies, music, philosophy, political science, ROTC, science and technology in society, sociology, teaching and learning, and theatre arts. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.