Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Even threat of Federal Reserve’s independence can imperil accountability, says expert The criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, approved by a longtime ally of President Trump, “marks a critical test of central bank independence in the U.S. that goes well beyo...

Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Fed Chair Powell lied to Congress about the central bank's hq renovation. Virginia Tech economist David Bieri says it “marks a critical test of central bank independence in the U.S. that goes well beyond a technical dispute over a building renovation.”

How this English graduate became a leader in nursing accreditation Listening deeply, something she learned from years of interpreting literature, helps Jennifer Butlin '92 unify educators, policymakers, and practitioners around shared interests and goals as the execu...

📚🩺 Why Liberal Arts? Because it opens unexpected doors.

Jennifer Butlin ’92’s VT education helped lead her to the top of nursing education accreditation. ✨

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A powerful, interdisciplinary lens to view problems Fueled by the support of alumnus David H. Kellogg ’82, who recently made a $16 million gift commitment to endow the David H. Kellogg Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Virginia Tech has b...

Thrilled to see our PPE department recognized nationally. A new $16 M gift from alumnus David H. Kellogg ’82 will support interdisciplinary scholarship and expand opportunities for students and faculty. news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Beyond the mic: How one class teaches ethical, purposeful podcasting In the class, students are challenged to dig deeper in blending research, audio production, and ethical journalism.

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What does ethical podcasting really look like? 🤔

Developed by Virginia Tech School of Communication Associate Professor Megan Duncan, 'Crimes, Cults, and Conspiracies in Podcasting' teaches Virginia Tech students how to balance storytelling, integrity, and impact. 🎙️✨

Read the article below!

Inspired to serve The mission of a fall societal health class inspired a Christiansburg resident to not only contribute financially, but to lend a hand on a student work trip to West Virginia.

Students in a Virginia Tech societal health class are learning that health work happens beyond clinics. This fall, 17 students went to Welch, West Virginia, for service projects.

Christiansburg resident Mary Ann Capp funded materials and joined students to help with flood recovery efforts. 🛠️💛

New name, same mission: Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning drives sustainable solutions The school recently renamed the Urban Affairs and Planning program to Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning to clearly convey the scope of both research activities and academic programs.

📣 Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs has renamed one of its longest-running programs: Urban Affairs and Planning is now Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.

What hasn’t changed: a commitment to hands-on, community-driven learning.

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Experts: Why landlines make sense for parents in digital age If you have a child, chances are you’ve already been asked, “When can I have a cellphone?” For many kids, a smartphone is at the top of their Christmas wishlist. But a growing number of parents are pu...

Thinking about leaving a smartphone under the tree? 🎄📱

Virginia Tech child psychology and development experts explain why some parents are choosing landlines instead, and what to consider before giving your child their first phone.

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Calling the shots: A Hokie broadcaster's slam dunk journey Virginia Tech women's basketball tipped off this week and so did Evan Hughes ’21, who is assistant director of broadcast services and the voice of the university’s women’s basketball team.

🎙️ From Hokie fan to the voice of Hokie Sports!

Evan Hughes ’21 turned his love of sports and storytelling into a career as assistant director of broadcast services and the voice of Virginia Tech women’s basketball and baseball. 🏀⚾

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Inside groundbreaking author Nikki Giovanni's final collection of poems, notes and letters "The New Book" collects the late poet's final thoughts, revealing "even more of who she always was" as her health declined before her death in 2024.

✨ Celebrating Nikki Giovanni ✨

Her final collection, The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, and Things, offers a brave and tender look at her last reflections. 💫

A poet, mentor, and fearless truth-teller, her words live on. 📖

www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/...

Jason Higgins wins national book award for “Prisoners After War: Veterans in the Age of Mass Incarceration”

The Oral History Association awarded the 2025 Book Award to @jasonhiggins.bsky.social, for "Prisoners After War: Veterans in the Age of Mass Incarceration."

🏆 A national honor recognizing outstanding oral history scholarship—congrats, Dr. Higgins!

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Author Beth Macy to headline Humanities Week events The events happening Oct. 27-31 will highlight the humanities work across the university and the commonwealth with "The Power of Place" as the theme.

🌍 Humanities Week kicks off Oct. 27! Explore “The Power of Place” how geography shapes communities, with a focus on Appalachia and rural life.🧡

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New Taylor Swift album offers lessons that could change music industry Swift’s new album is a cultural, economic, and musical masterclass that offers lessons on reshaping the music industry, marketing, capitalizing on a brand, and the pressures of fame, say Virginia Tech...

🧡 Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl isn’t just music—it’s a masterclass in PR, strategy & connection.

VT experts explain how Swift controls her image, knows when to pivot, & builds powerful bonds with fans through authenticity.

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Laura Zanotti named chair of the Department of Political Science From U.N. peacekeeping missions to groundbreaking research on quantum entanglement in international relations, Zanotti’s career has spanned continents and disciplines.

@vtpsci.bsky.social Congrats to Dr. Laura Zanotti, new Chair of Political Science at VT! 🌍

“One thing I tell my students… if by the end they have more questions than they started with, I’ve done my job.” — Laura Zanotti

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Amanda Demmer awarded history professorship Demmer has created innovative, in-demand courses, built relationships with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and advanced a cutting-edge research agenda that broadens the field in ways of interest to...

👏 Congratulations to @amandademmer.bsky.social, associate professor of history, on being named the Paul and Linda Austin Military History Professor!

news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Experts say parental controls are good, but AI still needs more oversight to protect youth Amid growing concerns about how children and teens engage with AI chatbots, including a tragic suicide reportedly linked back to a teen’s use of ChatGPT, OpenAI announced plans to roll out parental co...

Can AI parental controls keep kids safe online?

Virginia Tech School of Communication professor, Cayce Myers, says these tools help, but real safety will require stronger platform responsibility and oversight as AI grows more complex.

news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Sports media expert shares tips for fantasy football success There is an art and strategy to a successful fantasy football season. With 16 weeks to go, Matthew Zimmerman, sports media analytics expert at Virginia Tech, offers his top tips for a winning year.

Looking to level up your fantasy football game? 🏈

Matthew Zimmerman, assistant professor and sports media expert in the Virginia Tech School of Communication, shares tips on building a winning strategy this season. 🏆

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Tunes that turn back time Researchers in the IMAGINE Lab are exploring how listening to and playing music can positively impact the well-being of people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

At the IMAGINE Lab, founded in 2019, Joanna Culligan and her team explore how music sparks memory, strengthens community & supports those with Alzheimer’s. 🎶 @virginiatech.bsky.social

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Expert offers tips for coping with back-to-school nerves For some students, back-to-school excitement comes with its fair share of anxiety. Virginia Tech’s Cindy Smith shares strategies for parents to help children cope.

📚 Back-to-school can bring both excitement & anxiety.

Cindy Smith, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and Director of the Children’s Emotions Lab, shares tips for parents: create safe spaces, listen closely, & turn emotions into growth.

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Alum’s gift propels research in philosophy, politics, and economics Electrical engineering graduate David H. Kellogg recently committed a $16 million estate gift to endow the university’s research center in the field.

This transformative gift will ensure the David H. Kellogg Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics continues to thrive as one of the nation’s leading PPE programs. 🎉

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Dana Robertson named director of School of Education Robertson, associate professor of reading and literacy at the university since 2021, is a former literacy specialist and coach whose research includes professional learning and coaching and working wi...

📣 Dana Robertson is the new director of Virginia Tech’s School of Education! A nationally recognized literacy scholar, he’s ready to lead with innovation and impact.

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Alumna at home on NBC4 anchor desk Jummy Olabanji's career has taken her to television stations in Charlottesville, Norfolk, and New York City. Five years ago, she returned home to the Washington, D.C., area as the co-anchor of News 4 ...

🎥 From Virginia Tech to NBC Washington, Jummy Olabanji ’06 built a journalism career on purpose and passion.

📲 Read how her liberal arts roots helped her thrive in a changing media world. news.vt.edu/articles/202...

From Alix Earle to Remi Bader: Influencers Aren’t Relatable Anymore Alix Earle, Charli D'Amelio and Remi Bader had relatable beginnings, but their evolution into stardom has reshaped their connection with followers

Why do influencers feel less relatable—but we still follow them? 🤔 Stephanie Smith from the School of Communication, breaks it down in Us Weekly, explaining the shift from relatable to aspirational content.

📲 Read more: www.usmagazine.com/entertainmen...

Magazine cover featuring a person in front of colorful blocks with text about CoDeS Lab and Virginia Tech.

Hot off the digital press! 🎉

The first issue of ECHO, our new digital magazine, is here—featuring bold research, creative teaching, and real impact.

📖 Read: liberalarts.vt.edu/magazine/ind...

Experts offer tips to keep teens engaged – and off screens – this summer As summer stretches on and screen time becomes more tempting, Virginia Tech experts share tips to keep teens active, curious, and off their devices.

📱Battling screen time with your teen?

Professor Cindy Smith, in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, shares tips to keep teens curious, active, and off their phones—from screen-free family outings to passion-led projects.

Beat boredom this summer:

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Hokies on the Hill brings the Washington experience home The Hokies on the Hill experiential learning program in Washington lets students experience the inner workings of government. Two students in the most recent cohort said they saw Capitol Hill in a way...

🎓 Hokies on the Hill isn’t just an internship—it’s a career-shaping experience.

This spring, @vtpsci.bsky.social students Bradley Jones and Eliana Michael got a front-row seat to Capitol Hill, gaining real-world skills and leadership confidence. ✨

news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Expert explains crime genre’s appeal ahead of 'Dexter: Resurrection' As Dexter Morgan returns to the small screen in "Dexter: Resurrection," Ingrid Johnson, an advanced instructor in the Department of English, explains viewers' fascination with morally-complex characte...

🔍 Why do we love crime stories?

Virginia Tech English instructor, Ingrid Johnson, breaks it down as Dexter: Resurrection hits screens.

Read more ➡️ news.vt.edu/articles/202...

🎧📱 Scrolls, screens, and soundbites, welcome to today’s classroom.

Cayce Myers (School of Communication) breaks down how educators can adapt to students' media habits.

Read now in @timeshighered.bsky.social

Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approves 2025 promotions, tenure, and continued appointments The board approved the following promotions, tenure, and continued appointments at its June 3 meeting.

At the June 3 Board of Visitors meeting, @virginiatech.bsky.social proudly recognized a significant wave of faculty achievements across our college, highlighting excellence in research, teaching, and service. 👏

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Diplomacy Lab gives students a voice in U.S. foreign affairs In addition to expanding the State Department's research base, the program allows students to contribute to the policymaking process. Key findings could become official U.S. foreign policy.

🌍 Shaping foreign policy from the classroom!

Through the U.S. State Dept. Diplomacy Lab, @virginiatech.bsky.social students research global issues from climate to cybersecurity and draft real policy recommendations.

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