Listening to student needs
September tips for parents and families from Dean of Students Meaghan Davidson
Hello Hokies and Hokie families,
My name is Dr. Meaghan Davidson, and I am beyond excited to serve the Virginia Tech community as your new Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. I am grateful to join such a vibrant community that thinks about its students in meaningful ways. It was delightful to meet so many of you during move-in, and I look forward to the opportunity to meet more of you during Fall Family Weekend!
While I’m grateful to be able to work daily at a strategic scale to improve our systems of support for the student experience, meeting so many of your students reminds me that it’s the everyday interactions – around accessibility, case management, conduct, counseling, basic needs – that really help us connect with students and meet them where they are.
I get excited to help these services work together to create safe, welcoming, and nurturing spaces for all students both on and off campus. I’ve found that when we listen in these settings, we better ensure that campus resources are responsive, compassionate, and accessible.
With a background in Student Affairs and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments, my goal is to update and reenergize programs that fit students’ current needs, including building basic needs programming that assists off-campus students, disability support services, and family engagement programs.
One of our most impactful initiatives that I am proud to support is the Virginia Tech Basic Needs program, which provides essential resources such as food assistance, emergency funding, and housing support. We understand that meeting basic needs is paramount to academic and individual success. From academic support to guidance and connection, the Dean of Students Office is your partner every step of the way.
I invite you to explore our programs, get involved, and learn about the resources available to you! Together, in the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), we will continue to build a community rooted in service, resilience, and compassion. I am honored to support you and your students!
Meaghan Davidson, Ed.D.
Dean of Students
dean.students@vt.edu
The Dean of Students Office knows Virginia Tech. Encourage your student to get to know this caring and talented team of mentors and advocates! They can point your student in the right direction, be a sounding board, and assist with personal, social, and academic challenges. They want to get to know your student so they can walk with them along the way and cheer them on in true Hokie fashion!
