Byron Hughes, a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, has been selected Virginia Tech’s dean of students effective Oct. 1, 2018.
Hughes, who has nearly 18 years of experience in higher education, has served as director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Virginia Tech since 2013. He came to Virginia Tech in 2008 as assistant director for Student Conduct. Prior to Virginia Tech, Hughes worked in residential life at Ball State University and Salisbury University.
Reporting to the senior associate vice president for Student Affairs, the dean of students is Virginia Tech’s foremost student advocate, leading a team of passionate, student-centered professionals who support the more than 34,000 students who call themselves Hokies. Working closely with Virginia Tech’s seven undergraduate colleges and administrative offices, the Dean of Students Office embraces a focused pursuit of care, support, and flourishing in nearly every imaginable way.
In addition, the Dean of Students Office will further develop an initiative to expand interfaith dialogue and build bridges between faith communities on campus.
“With a strong understanding and commitment to Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community and InclusiveVT, Byron will continue to build on the dean of students mission to create a community that nurtures learning and growth in the spirit of community, inclusion, excellence, and care,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo.
“Byron is well-known for listening skills, his focus on student learning, and his abiding commitment to building community with and among students,” said Frank Shushok, senior associate vice president for Student Affairs.
Hughes said his philosophy is simple: “Help students and colleagues ground learning-centered choices in purpose by fostering a connection whenever possible; encourage students and colleagues to be reflective and utilize critical thinking; maintain empathy for all students and colleagues regardless of their decisions; and develop trust by being consistent and fair as an administrator.”
Hughes holds a Ph.D. in higher education from Virginia Tech. He earned a master of arts from Ball State University and a bachelor of arts from Salisbury University.
Rohsaan Settle, current director for Student Conduct, will serve as interim director for Fraternity and Sorority Life for the 2018-19 academic year. Settle’s background working with the fraternity and sorority community began when he was a Virginia Tech graduate assistant advising the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Settle served as the Greek advisor at Gannon University. He later provided administrative oversight for the Oak Lane Community at Virginia Tech. Settle holds a master’s degree from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from Longwood College.
Ennis McCrery, associate director for Student Conduct, will be stepping into the role of interim director for Student Conduct for the 2018-19 academic year. McCrery has served Virginia Tech in a variety of roles, including graduate representative to the Board of Visitors, ombudsperson in the Graduate School, and Title IX investigator/sexual violence prevention specialist. McCrery holds a master of fine arts and a bachelor of arts from Virginia Tech.
