BLACKSBURG, Va., Sept. 10, 2009 – Robert Fields, professor of visual communication design in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" 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.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1976, Fields contributed to the development of the illustration and graphic design program, contributing his expertise in creative art direction, and collaborating on many curriculum revisions. He served as the program chair for the Graphic Design Program and as associate creative director with the Visual Design Studio VDS4 since its inception in 2001.
In addition, he developed the Visual Communication Design senior capstone course in which four to five professional designers provide portfolio critiques to graduating seniors.
He received National Endowment of the Arts and Virginia Commission for the Arts grant awards for super graphic illustrative mural design. He was named recipient of a university ASPIRES grant to develop animation and virtual graphics. He received a best in show award at the Carillion Gallery National Exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas; the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Competition Quaintance Award; and served as faculty design team leader on the 1999 Papa John's visual branding sponsored program project.
Fields is a member of the Society of Watercolor Artists, the Southeastern Arts Association, and the Advertising Ad Federation. He received his bachelor's degree from California State University at Long Beach and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art.