Roderick Hall named new associate vice president of research
This week, Robert Walters, the vice president for research at Virginia Tech announced the appointment of a new associate vice president for research at the university, Roderick Hall of Christiansburg.
Hall has previously been associate dean for administration and research with the Pamplin College of Business since July 2006.
“Rodd’s prior experience with the administration of the internal organization makes him extremely valuable as we undergo the leadership transition,” said Walters in a statement released through the school. “Just as important to us is the ability that Rodd has shown in working to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and to facilitate the success of groups of researchers. His role will encompass much more than administration of the Office of Research. He will be my chief deputy as we move the research initiatives of Virginia Tech forward.”
Hall has been with the university for many years in a number of different capacities. He was associate dean for administration of the College of Engineering from 1998 until 2005. In January 2005, he was named term director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, and during that time he also held the position of assistant vice president in the Office of the Vice President for Research, where he was in charge of all administrative functions.
With his new position, “my primary goal is to make it easier for researches to do their work,” said Hall in a statement. “Serving two colleges and ICTAS has given me a broad perspective on what faculty members need in order to be successful. Our primary objectives are to do everything we can to keep them focused on their research endeavors instead of administrative details, and to clear hurdles in their way to implementing new research initiatives.”
Hall graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1986, and went on to receive his master’s in business administration in 1989. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration.
-Caroline Black, CT
Fewer Tickets Around Blacksburg
Since new civil fines for criminal traffic convictions went into effect for Virginia drivers as of July 1, 2007, less reckless driving and driving under the influence charges have been placed by the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech Police Departments.
In July 2006, the Blacksburg police ticketed eight drivers for reckless driving, and the number dropped to two this year. Six drivers were arrested for DUI in 2006, and by the middle of July 2007, only one DUI arrest had occurred.
The Virginia Tech Police ticketed two drivers for reckless driving in July 2006, and three for the same charge in July 2007. Last July, the Virginia Tech police charged six with DUI, and this July, two were charged.
There is no way to tell the actual reason behind these different numbers, because variations, such as weather changes, can also change this type of data, said Corrine Gellar of the Virginia State Police. Coincidence and varying student populations during the summer could also be factors.
The new civil remedial fines went into placed as a result of Virginia House Bill 3202, which places between $750 and $3,000 in fines on driving offenses, on top of fines already in place. The policy only applies to Virginia drivers.
-Lauren O'Neil, CT
Vick abandoned by athletic companies; Co-defendant pleads guilty
Tony Taylor, one of Michael Vick’s co-defendants, pled guilty to dog-fighting conspiracy charges on Monday. Taylor claimed that he was financed primarily by Vick – who pled not guilty to the charges last week. Taylor’s plea agreement mandates that he fully cooperate with the government in their prosecution of Vick and two other co-defendants. Taylor admitted to sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture, conspiring to cross state lines for illegal dog-fighting, and executing dogs that did not perform well.
Taylor will testify against Vick in court if asked to do so, and in return will not be punished for any new information he divulges to the prosecution.
In other Vick related news, on Tuesday Rawlings became the most recent athletic company to cut ties with the quarterback. Nike, Reebok, Upper Deck, and Rawlings have all cancelled their endorsement contracts with the embattled NFL star. Vick and two co-defendants will appear again in court on Nov. 26.
-Duncan Vick, CT
|
|
|
|
 Vick |
|
|
|
|
|
