1 Jul 2026
Robert Stephens, associate professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members 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 for more than 24 years, Stephens taught a wide range of courses, including Reacting to the Past, a first-year Honors Residential College seminar, and courses in European history, German history, and the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
Stephens was actively involved in undergraduate education at the university as associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences from 2013-16 and as interim director of the Undergraduate Research Institute from 2015-16. He served as the founding faculty principal of the Honors Residential College and later as its associate faculty principal.
He authored a monograph and an edited book as well as numerous articles, book chapters, textbooks, and book reviews.
He mentored numerous students through the Department of History, the Honors College, and the Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought program.
His contributions have been recognized through awards, including the Alumni Teaching Award, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Certificate of Teaching Excellence, the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, the Edward S. Diggs Teaching Scholar Award, the XCaliber Award for Excellence in Technology-Assisted Teaching and Learning. He was chosen numerous times to receive the Favorite Faculty Award from Residential Life and the Faculty Excellence Award from the History Graduate Student Association.
Stephens has also served the university as a member and chair of various committees, and his international impact in the field of modern European history includes numerous invited readings, lectures, and workshops presented in Europe and the United States.
Stephens received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.
Jenny Kincaid Boone
540-314-7207
Virginia Tech demonstrates impact as a global land grant – progressing sustainability in our community, through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and around the world.
Get Directions
See All Locations
Contact Virginia Tech
For the media
© 2026 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply