Dawn Knight-Withers

Dawn has been an academic advisor at Virginia Tech for 15 years. She began her work in teacher education and transitioned to the Department of English and the centralized advising team in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in 2021. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, and has received several professional awards recognizing her dedication to student learning and development. Dawn is active in NACADA and has completed multiple certifications in areas including experiential learning, career preparation, and InclusiveVT.

Grounded in NACADA’s longstanding view that advising is teaching, Dawn approaches her work as a collaborative learning experience. She meets each student where they are, recognizing that every educational journey is unique. Dawn partners with students to design meaningful learning paths that integrate their talents, interests, and goals. Her CliftonStrenghs in Learning and Connectedness guide her approach, empowering students to understand their degree requirements, ask thoughtful questions, make informed decisions, and understand how the pieces of their academic, personal, and professional experiences fit together. In all her work, Dawn is committed to fostering supportive relationships, promoting student agency, and helping learners discover the strengths and possibilities within their academic and career journeys.

Before returning to Virginia Tech for doctoral study, Dawn owned and operated an Early Learning Center in Blacksburg. Her passion for teaching continues through her work with future educator organizations such as the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and the Council for Professional Recognition, where she supports high‑school teachers, students, and emerging educators preparing to work with young children. Dawn also serves as an assistant robotics coach and scout leader, encouraging girls in STEM.