ECHO | The Voices of Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Message from the Dean
Dear Students, Alumni, and Friends,
Welcome to the first issue of ECHO, the digital magazine of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. This edition celebrates the voices, journeys, and impact of our extraordinary community.
In these pages, you’ll encounter compelling student and alumni stories that show how the liberal arts empower individuals to lead with purpose and creativity. You’ll read about our students’ transformative experiences, the careers our graduates are shaping, and how their time in CLAHS prepared them to make meaningful contributions across the globe.
This issue also highlights the importance of liberal arts education in today's world through faculty-led research, international collaborations, and real-world applications that demonstrate the depth and relevance of our disciplines.
And in a special feature, “Seasons of CLAHS,” we take a visual journey through the beauty of our campus year-round, a reminder that the liberal arts experience is shaped not just by ideas and inquiry, but also by the sense of place and community we share.
We hope ECHO inspires connection and reflection. Wherever your path leads, you remain a vital part of our liberal arts family. Thank you for supporting the people and mission of CLAHS.
Warmly,
Laura Belmonte
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Student Stories
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Diplomacy Lab gives students a voice in U.S. foreign affairs , articleIn addition to expanding the State Department's research base, the program allows students to contribute to the policymaking process. Key findings could become official U.S. foreign policy.
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Building dreams, one scholarship at a time , articleSometimes, it’s just meant to be. Katie Tepsic, the 2024 recipient of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (CLAHS) Staff Association’s scholarship, had numerous moments scattered throughout her life that pointed her toward Virginia Tech. Scholarships like the one Tepsic received helped to make her dreams a reality.
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Hokie opens doors for students in Kenyan refugee camp , articleAt Virginia Tech, Dudi Miabok deepened his commitment to service through education — a mission he’s advancing by helping others follow in his footsteps.
Research
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Technology on the trail: Appalachian Trail managers say pervasive use of digital devices harms trail experience , articleIn Virginia Tech research, trail managers reported that technology, specifically social media, has led to the trail’s degradation, overcrowding, and the spread of misinformation among hikers.
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New study shines a light on nieces and nephews caring for relatives with dementia , articleVirginia Tech's Karen Roberto and Tina Savla conducted the first in-depth examination of this often unnoticed group in caregiving research.
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AI in the classroom: Tools, training, and the future of education , articleLike most of the students in their classroom, teachers are also embracing AI. Educators' use of generative AI rose from 51 percent to 67 percent between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, according to K-12 Dive. Now, Microsoft and OpenAI, in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers, are launching an AI training program for educators. Virginia Tech faculty are on the forefront of AI in education, helping to build digital literacy with tools and training.
Seasons of CLAHS
Why Liberal Arts?
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Why Liberal Arts? , homeAt Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a Liberal Arts education fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and practical skills for the real world. CLAHS alumni embody these strengths every day in their careers, whether in boardrooms or beyond.