Patricia Lavender, associate professor of theatre arts in the School of Performing Arts in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the university community since 1984, Lavender brought significant visibility to theatre at Virginia Tech through numerous publications and presentations, and by marketing and publicizing the theatre program and hundreds of theatrical productions held at the university.

Lavender was active in many regional and national arts and education organizations, including the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The Kennedy Center Education Programs, the Roanoke Valley Arts Council, and the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.

At Virginia Tech, Lavender advised and supported hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students through their course of study, and she helped them prepare for successful careers in artistic, academic, and commercial settings. She taught a range of undergraduate courses in theatre, including arts management, community engagement, nonprofit structures, audience development, and arts marketing.

Lavender received her bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.