Susan R. Brooker-Gross, 65, director of policy and communications for Virginia Tech’s Division of Information Technology, died Jan. 2 due to complications after surgery. She was responsible for planning news and communications for the Division of Information Technology as well as for developing many of the policies that govern the university’s data access, maintenance, and security. Her sharp intellect and broad experience at the university made her a valuable administration and planning asset for the division.

Brooker-Gross began at Virginia Tech in 1977 as an assistant professor of geography and became an associate professor in 1983. She served as department head from 1990 to 1993 before moving into an administrative role as associate provost for undergraduate programs. Her research centered on urban geography and explored the impact of gender, technology, and socioeconomic factors on human populations. “As one of our department’s early faculty members, Susan was a major contributor to our growth and stature at the university,” said Professor Jim Campbell. “She made numerous contributions to the field of urban geography and remained active in her field long after she served as department head.”

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