Michael Hughes, professor of sociology in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus 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 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 1979, Hughes has published four books and numerous articles, chapters, and research reports. He has served as the president of the Southern Sociological Society and was inducted into that organization’s Roll of Honor to recognize his lifetime contributions to scholarship.

In addition, Hughes served as the editor of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior for four years and served on six other editorial boards of major journals. He received the Reuben Hill Award for Outstanding Research and Theory Article from the National Council on Family Relations.

At Virginia Tech, Hughes was honored with the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship. He also received the Department of Sociology’s E. Gordon Ericksen Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award. He has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses, ranging from large introductory courses to graduate seminars.

Hughes received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama and his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.