During its most recent meeting the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors conferred the emerita title on Beth Waggenspack, associate professor in the Department of Communication.

Waggenspack contributed to scholarship in the discipline of American public address, authoring more than 50 articles, books, and book chapters and garnering recognition as a leading authority on the rhetoric of First Ladies.

She served as associate department head and directed both the undergraduate and graduate programs in the department; she was active in many college and university committees as well as professional organizations.

For her accomplishments as teacher and adviser, she received the Alumni Teaching Award and the College’s Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award.

Waggenspack earned her bachelor’s degree from Muskingum College, a master’s degree from Teas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.