Virginia Tech’s dining program has experienced substantial growth during the past decade, currently serving more than 6.2 million meals a year. The growth will continue with the current expansion of West End Market and the opening of Turner Place dining center in the new academic and student services building this fall. To accommodate this expansion, Dining Services transitioned into its own departmental unit in February 2011.
“We have an extraordinarily successful dining program that has been praised for its quality and service,” said Frank Shushok, associate vice president for student affairs. “With student meal plans exceeding 18,000, new facilities and programs on the horizon, and a staff of more than 1,400, the time is right for Dining Services to become its own departmental unit.”
During the transition period, Faulkner will lead many of the daily operations of Dining Services. He has served as associate director since 1998 and brings 35 years of experience in foodservice. Faulkner was involved in the redesign of four dining centers, the development of the new Turner Place dining center and initiatives to improve sustainability efforts.
Cassell Ratcliffe will serve as interim director for eight to 12 months until a search committee appoints a permanent director for the program, according to a university press release. She has served in various roles in Virginia Tech’s Career Services office for 27 years, most recently as director of Career Services, where she has been since 2003.