Diana Ridgwell, PhD
Biography
Ph. D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
M.A. Social Sciences and Economics
B.S. Business Management and Marketing
Diana Ridgwell came to Virginia Tech in 2000 to pursue the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. After her work in various offices at Virginia Tech ranging from residence life to academic affairs, she became a part of the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office for the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Her position and responsibilities have changed depending on the college needs and her current focuses are on undergraduate research, career and graduate school planning, and student leadership programming.
As Director of the CLAHS Undergraduate Research Institute, Diana has facilitated the creation of “one of the most comprehensive undergraduate programs at the University” as described in the 2007-2008 President’s report and advises the student editors of the first undergraduate research journal focused on the liberal arts and human sciences among our peer institutions.
Diana has taught in many areas across the university including leadership intro courses in the leadership residential program, Intro to Women’s Studies, professional seminar for CLAHS students, Research Methods, graduate level courses in College Administration, and the Practicum course in Higher Education.
Diana’s research interests include diversity issues in higher education, first-generation college students, undergraduate research learning outcomes, institutional culture, and educational motivation.
Diana lives in Hardy, Virginia with her husband William and their two girls, Gatlin (7) and Laken (4). She enjoys outdoor activities, music, and reading.
What you would like to gain from this program:
I hope to network, meet new people from across the university, learn more about my management style, gain insight into how units outside my area work, and develop leadership skills that will take my work to the next level.