ECHO | The Voices of Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Message from the Dean
Dear Students, Alumni, and Friends,
Welcome to the second edition of ECHO, the digital magazine of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. This issue continues the conversations that define our college, showcasing the people, ideas, and experiences that demonstrate the enduring impact of the liberal arts and human sciences.
Within these pages, you'll explore stories of discovery and innovation, from examining the future of industrial farming to highlighting faculty research that addresses complex challenges and improving lives. You'll also meet students and alumni whose experiences, whether in classroom or beyond, demonstrate how a liberal arts education prepares graduates to think critically and lead with purpose.
Through stories, podcasts, and videos from across the college, this edition celebrates the power of curiosity and connection. You'll discover the conversations shaping our disciplines, the collaborations driving new ideas, and the experiences that turn learning into action.
As you read, I hope you'll see not only the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also the shared values that unite our community.
Thank you for being an important part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. We hope this issue of ECHO leaves you inspired and excited for what lies ahead.
With gratitude,
Laura Belmonte
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Why Liberal Arts?
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Home ItemWhy Liberal Arts? , home
At Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a Liberal Arts education fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and practical skills for the real world. CLAHS alumni embody these strengths every day in their careers, whether in boardrooms or beyond.
Joel Peters, director of the School of Public and International Affairs, explains why the liberal arts are more essential than ever.
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Calling the shots: A Hokie broadcaster's slam dunk journey , articleVirginia 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.
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Graduate student advocates for dignity in aging , articleInspired by her grandparents and shaped by years of caregiving in Nigeria, Onyinye Mbanefo is pursuing a Ph.D. in adult development and aging while leading a foundation that advocates for improved elder care and protection in her home country.
Impact and Research
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These Hokies lead legislative lives , articleMeet four college alumni whose passion for politics led them to careers in the nation's capital.
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Zoe Brooks turns coal country roots into research and preservation , articleBrooks draws on her upbringing in Southwest Virginia’s coal country to study Appalachian labor history and preserve mining heritage through her work in Special Collections and University Archives.
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Rethinking learning in the age of AI , articleFaculty members across disciplines are reimagining their courses to incorporate AI in meaningful ways to help students develop the skills using technology ethically while strengthening their own voices, judgment, and critical thinking.
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In Hokie Treks, exploration meets opportunity , articleDuring spring break, 40 Hokies from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture and NBC4 in Washington, D.C., as part of the new program.
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'What research can do for a community': New center dives into Arctic research , articleThe Center for Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic aims to transform how Arctic research is conducted. Led by Director Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq, it prioritizes listening to Indigenous leadership to create sustainable solutions and foster connections with resources at the university and beyond.
Reflections
News from around the College
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‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Ben Katz talks about lifestyle choices and brain health , articleKatz talks about the role cardiovascular exercise, spending time in nature, maintaining a healthy diet, and more have on enhancing cognitive function.
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Students launch American Revolution podcast ahead of U.S. 250th anniversary , articleVirginia Tech history students turn classroom research into a podcast exploring the American Revolution, offering new perspectives ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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Arcade-style kiosk showcases digital humanities research with a touch of nostalgia , articleThe arcade-style kiosk transforms years of community-engaged research, oral history, and digital publishing into an experience that is visible, accessible, and built for discovery.
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Federal grant boosts effort to grow Virginia's youth mental health workforce , articleThe grant provides a $25,000 annual stipend to seven graduate students working with underserved populations, helping to fill a critical need for mental health professionals in areas of Virginia that need them most.
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Experience
What does it take to tell a true crime story responsibly? Step inside the classroom where students explore the ethics of podcasting, sharpen their storytelling skills, and produce podcasts of their own.
See journalism from a new perspective. Learn how students earn hands-on drone flight experience and capture stories from above.
As AI reshapes the world, what will always set humans apart? Hear Dean Laura Belmonte’s inspiring message to the Class of 2026 about the enduring value of curiosity, critical thinking, and what AI can't do.
