John Ryan, professor and former chair of the Department of Sociology, was recognized posthumously for his significant contributions to the field of the sociology of culture, with a specialization in the production of culture and community responses to violence.  

Ryan served as department chair from his arrival at Virginia Tech in 2001 until 2019.  He received the International Association of Administrative Professionals Executive of the Year Award as well as the College’s Award for Excellence in Research and Award for Excellence in Administration.  

For 16 years he served as a visiting lecturer at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.  

Ryan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.