Michael Keith Herndon, longtime administrator at Virginia Tech, passed away on February 5. He was 61 years old.
A native of Farmville, Virginia, Dr. Herndon earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and his master’s degree in student development from historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C. After completing his graduate degree, Dr. Herndon returned to Virginia to serve as a resident education coordinator at what is now Longwood University in Farmville.
In 1995, Dr. Herndon joined the Virginia Tech community as a doctoral student and graduate assistant in the department of interdisciplinary studies. Six years later, he completed his doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies. He was soon named director of the department and joined the faculty as a non-tenure-track assistant professor.
Dr. Herndon ultimately transitioned to Virginia Tech’s division of enrollment management as director of summer and winter sessions, a position he held from 2008 until his passing. In that role, he worked to expand academic access and opportunity, supporting students as they advanced toward timely degree completion. He was instrumental in developing the university’s first Winter Session and the Summer Start Program.
