Angelica Witcher has been named assistant dean for student vitality at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. As assistant dean she will continue to serve in her current role of administrative director of student affairs. Witcher’s progressive leadership journey in the medical school started when the school opened its doors in August 2010.

“Dr. Witcher’s contributions to the welfare of our students have been exemplary,” said Dean Lee Learman. “She has been the driving force behind the Office of Student Affairs, not only overseeing the budget but assuring that our clubs, organizations, and student interest groups serve our students’ needs. Her talents are impeccably suited for her new role focusing on student vitality in which she will provide leadership with career development and oversee our mentoring communities comprised of students, residents, and faculty.”  

Learman said Witcher’s role would continue to bridge student affairs as a liaison to the medical school’s initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion.   

“I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Witcher for the past eight years and have witnessed her infectious ‘can do’ attitude, her commendable work ethic, and her innate desire to learn and grow,” said Aubrey Knight, senior dean for student affairs. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving and am thrilled for the school and our current and future students that she will be expanding her role in these ways.”

N.L. Bishop, senior associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, has worked with Witcher since the school started.

“I’ve observed Dr. Witcher being a crucial player in all our efforts to enhance student vitality and success,” he said. “Her positive energy and commitment to our school, and to each of our students, is always on display.”

Azziza Bankole, the school’s chief diversity officer said, “Dr. Witcher is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the entire VTCSOM community. She is committed to ensuring that we provide the needed structures and environment that all our students need to thrive."

Witcher holds a B.S. in nursing from the University of Virginia, an MBA from Averett University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the Virginia Tech School of Education. Her teaching contributions to the medical school include topics such as microaggressions, cultural humility, and health systems science. Having recently earned her Ph.D., Witcher has published several book chapters and a journal article and has presented at more than a dozen professional conferences.

“It is an honor and privilege to continue to serve our medical students in this new role and further invigorate the overall student experience at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine,” Witcher said. “As assistant dean for student vitality and director of student affairs, I will focus on expanding student opportunities through inclusion and collaborative initiatives while enhancing our student career development program."

Written by Catherine Doss