Nancy Metz, professor of English 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 faculty since 1977, Metz made significant contributions to the field of Victorian British literature, especially Charles Dickens studies, and to the fields of composition, pedagogy, and e-portfolios.

She played a significant role in furthering global studies of Victorian literature and Charles Dickens, and she organized the Dickens Society Annual Meeting and a Victorians Institute conference. She has reviewed numerous manuscripts as a member of the Editorial Board of the Dickens Studies Annual and she served as trustee of the Byron Society of North America. Metz was also the author or coauthor of one book, 22 articles, four book chapters, and nine book reviews.

In the classroom, Metz taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses across the literature curriculum. Her teaching was recognized by the William E. Wine Award in 2018, the XCaliber Team Project Award, and election to the university’s Academy of Teaching Excellence. She also advised many students on master’s theses.

She served as director of undergraduate studies and associate chair in the Department of English, as well as coordinator of the university writing program. She continues to serve as a member of the Program Committee of the university’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

Metz received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Michigan.