Julia Beamish, professor and former head of the Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management 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 1990, Beamish is widely recognized for her scholarship in kitchen and bath design and research. She was the principal or co-principal investigator on several grants researching age-friendly housing and kitchen and bath design. She was the author or co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and reviews.


Beamish held leadership positions in her professional organizations, including serving on the board of directors of the Housing Educator’s Research Association. She has received many professional honors and awards, including the Housing Educator’s Research Association Distinguished Service Award. She was recognized as one of the Top 50 Innovators in Kitchen and Bath Design by Kitchen and Bath Design News.


In the classroom, Beamish taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. She also directed master’s degree and Ph.D. students and served on more than 15 master’s degree and 35 doctoral degree committees.


Beamish received her bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.