BLACKSBURG, Va., July 8 -- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University issued the following news release:

Jeff Crowder M.A. '96, executive director for partnerships and research support at Virginia Tech's Division of Information Technology, has been conferred the title of executive director 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 their 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 40 years, Crowder pr...