Jill Kiecolt, professor of sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emerita 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 in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1993, Kiecolt has made significant contributions to the field of sociology, with a specialization in social psychology, race relations, and family. She published a book and numerous articles, chapters, and research reports contributing to this field.

Kiecolt served as a member of the editorial boards for Social Psychology Quarterly and Sociological Inquiry, as an executive council member of the Southwest Sociological Association, and as a member of the National Council on Family Relations. She also was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where she conducted research on individual development and social change.

At Virginia Tech, Kiecolt was an affiliate to the Center for Gerontology. She taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses and was a mentor and advisor to many undergraduate and graduate students. She was honored with the Department of Sociology E. Gordon Ericksen Award for graduate teaching.

Kiecolt received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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