After more than 17 years of dedicated service as Director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center (VWRRC) and Professor of Forest Hydrology and Soil Science, Stephen Schoenholtz retired in April 2024.
As VWRRC Director, Stephen developed solutions to water resource challenges through the VWRRC’s mission of providing resources and support to researchers, educators, and decision-makers throughout the state.
Stephen spearheaded the creation of the Water: Resources, Policy, and Management undergraduate degree program and the Blue Planet Pathways Minor program. He also taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, including the capstone course Watershed Assessment, Policy, and Management.
His contributions to the field of sustainable water-resource management are notable and significant, including over 100 papers and book chapters.
Stephen mentored numerous M.S. and Ph.D. students and post-doctoral research associates, helping them develop careers in academic, government, and private-sector settings. He is also a mentor to many faculty at Virginia Tech and worked to promote and support those around him.
He also served as the president for the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR), where he worked with water centers and institutes across the country. While president-elect for NIWR, Stephen was invited by the Obama Administration’s White House Water Summit to raise awareness of water issues and potential solutions in the United States.
As further evidence of his impact to research and education, Stephen was recently conferred the title of professor emeritus by Virginia Tech. This title is bestowed on those who have given exemplary service to the university, and who are specifically recommended to the board of visitors by the Virginia Tech president.
Most importantly, Stephen was always there for his colleagues, students and friends. His ability to connect with people and positively impact their lives is truly special. Stephen is looking forward to his well-deserved retirement, and all who worked with him will miss him dearly!
Stephen earned his B.S. degree from Penn State, and both his M.S. and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.
