“Movement is motion, momentum, and forward-progress toward our best self and a better world. It’s what Ut Prosim calls us toward in the little steps daily that add up to transformation.”

Frank Shushok, our Vice President of Student Affairs, has used these unfamiliar times to focus on movement - both physically and intellectually.

“I’ve long been a regular visitor to the gym, so my routine has certainly been impacted. I’m now a regular bike rider and take advantage of the Huckleberry Trail. Not only is it a workout, the beauty is stunning and renewing.”

After graduating with his undergraduate from Baylor University, he received his masters degree from Ohio State, and went on to earn his Ph.D from the University of Maryland. Frank came to Virginia Tech in 2009 as the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. 

Frank is a husband and father of three, this has helped him see the silver lining in these strange times.

Dr. Shushok poses with Virginia Tech students (left) and his family (right).

“While disruptions are rarely appreciated initially, they do jolt us into “seeing” and trying new things. This has certainly been the case for me. I’m more grateful than ever for my family, friends, my health, and being part of the Hokie community.  We are only guaranteed today, so I don’t want to miss a moment.”

Frank was elevated to his position of leadership as the Vice President of Student Affairs in April and has gracefully guided our university through the pandemic’s troubling and uncertain times.

“Have a plan for nurturing, deepening, and even beginning relationships, especially during this pandemic. The need for being in community and having meaningful relationships with people is in our DNA. Making this happen is one of the most important moves we can make to strengthen our overall well being.”

 

As a scholar-practitioner, Frank Shushok is known for his profound commitment to student learning, his learning-centered leadership, his community-centered approach, his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and his desire to help others reach their fullest potential.

As Vice President for Student Affairs, Frank provides leadership and oversight for 25 departments with a budget of more than $164 million and a staff of more than 3,600 employees. Student Affairs is also responsible for an extensive physical plant consisting of more than 60 buildings across the campus. This represents approximately 31% of the total assignable square feet on the Virginia Tech campus and includes 10 dining facilities and 49 residence halls.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Frank is an associate professor in the higher education graduate program and, from 2013-2018, served as executive editor of About Campus, a national magazine that promotes strengthening the student learning experience in higher education. As an educator, teacher, scholar, administrator, educational consultant, and researcher, Shushok is especially known for building effective, collaborative programs between student and academic affairs.

He has led significant initiatives to provide holistic learning environments for students, including strengthening and expanding the universities living-learning communities, introducing a positive psychology and strengths-based approach in student affairs programs, and implementing the Aspirations for Student Learning.

Shushok has more than 25 years of experience in educational leadership at six institutions of higher learning including Baylor University, the University of Maryland, College Park, Northern Arizona University, The Ohio State University, and Virginia Tech.

Frank came to Virginia Tech in 2009, and led the university’s largest auxiliary enterprise with an operating budget more than $150 million. As Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, he provided leadership for Cranwell International Center, the Dean of Students Office, Dining Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Learning Partnerships, and Student Conduct.

Frank is a native of Texas. He earned a doctor of philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park, a master of arts from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor of science from Baylor University.

Frank’s commitment to higher education has been nationally recognized. He was named a fellow of the American Council on Higher Education, a Diamond Honoree by ACPA—College Student Educators International, and honored by the Association of College and University Housing Officers with its Research and Publication Award. As an avid supporter of strengths-based learning, he received the Chip Anderson Inspiration Award for significant contributions in advancing the strengths movement in higher education.

When Frank is not engaged in his work on campus, he enjoys the outdoors with his family. There is nothing he appreciates more than a beautiful day fly-fishing on a mountain stream. Frank married his high school sweetheart and has three children.