The Virginia Tech School of Education is excited to welcome Hannah Bayne, Ph.D., associate professor of counselor education, starting in the fall of 2023. Bayne is currently on the faculty at the University of Florida, and has also held faculty appointments at Loyola University, in Maryland, and served in a visiting assistant professor appointment in the Virginia Tech School of Education at the former Falls Church location from 2012 to 2015.  She earned her doctorate from Old Dominion University, and her master’s degree from the College of William and Mary; her undergraduate degree was from Virginia Tech. Bayne is a Licensed Professional Counselor and her clinical practice focuses primarily on clients who need support with issues of sexual/affectional orientation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and transitions from college to young adulthood.

Matthew Fullen, program leader in the Counselor Education and Supervision program commented, “The counselor education program is pleased to welcome Dr. Hannah Bayne to our faculty. Dr. Bayne is a nationally recognized leader whose research on empathy, spirituality, and the impact of diverse identities on counselor training and practice complement our program in exciting ways. This leadership and scholarship will help further elevate our award-winning counselor education program at Virginia Tech.”

Bayne is the current president-elect of the Association for Ethics, Religion, and Values in Counseling, and was appointed by the American Counseling Association president to the their Ethics and Ethics Appeals Committees. She has published in some of the most prestigious journals in the counseling field, with over 34 peer-reviewed journal articles on a wide range of topics.

Kristin Gehsmann, director of the Virginia Tech School of Education said, “There are so many reasons why we are excited about Dr. Bayne joining our faculty, and her impact on developing the next generation of counselors is among them.” Bayne has experiencing teaching nearly all the courses that counselors in training need, from the introductory and foundational courses to research and advanced practice courses.  

Bayne’s clinical work, professional service, scholarly productivity, and skill as an educator are all consistent with the values and approach within the counselor education program and the VT School of Education. More broadly, her work is consistent with the university motto, Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve” and with the VT Principles of Community, which define the work of our community of scholars.

Bayne offered her thoughts about joining the faculty. “I am beyond thrilled to be returning to the Hokie Nation. My parents met at VT, and my husband and I also met there and got married overlooking the drill field. Virginia Tech is in my blood, and this feels like a personal and professional homecoming. The opportunity to join such an incredible faculty and to be able to seek out collaborations with other scholars is very exciting."

She continued, "I look forward to seeing how my work related to empathy, cross-cultural connection, and values conflicts continues to develop as a result of the opportunities and connections at the university. I also am eager to apply my research in ways that can have direct community impact, living up to the Ut Prosim motto.”

Gehsmann commented, “We anticipate that Dr. Bayne’s impact will be seen early and will have a positive and enduring impact on our counseling students and those they will serve. Our students, programs, and the broader community will benefit from working with Dr. Bayne, and we could not be happier that she is joining us.”

The Virginia Tech School of Education is a global catalyst for individual and social transformation through education, applied research, and advocacy. With programs for prospective teachers, educational leaders, school counselors, and leaders in higher education, you can find your own pathway to serve the greater good.  To learn more, please visit our website at https://soe.vt.edu.