Lisa Tucker, a former professor and program chair in the School of Architecture + Design, is the new head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management.
 
Tucker began her new role in July, and she said she is excited to build the reputation of the programs that reside in the department.
 
“Many great things are happening that few people know about,” Tucker said. “As we come up with a new vision for the department, I am hopeful we can rebrand ourselves and update the look of facilities as well.”
 
Tucker first came to Virginia Tech in 2003 as an assistant professor in interior design in the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management. She later spent 13 years as program chair of interior design in the newly renamed College of Architecture, Arts and Design.
 
Coming back to AHRM provides her with a new challenge, she said.

“I am truly delighted that Dr. Tucker will be leading AHRM," said Laura Belmonte, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. "She is an incredibly talented and experienced administrator with marvelous ideas for the next phase of the department’s history. I look forward to working with her and her remarkable colleagues.”

 
Tucker's first priority as department head is to learn about the faculty and staff in each program and their objectives and goals for the academic year. The programs in AHRM include residential environments and design, fashion merchandising and design, property management, and consumer studies.
 
“I hope to shine a light on the existing expertise and accomplishments of the faculty and students,” Tucker said. “Together we will establish inspirational goals that capitalize on synergies between programs around the human sciences and behavior.”
 
Tucker received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia, along with a certificate of historic preservation. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.

By Gabby Taylor