Dr. Virginia Stormer

Dr. Virginia Stormer serves as Chief Strategy Officer for the Division of Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen collaboration between the division and academic colleges, supports faculty engagement in student success efforts, oversees professional development and training for division staff, and contributes to the design and continuous improvement of student success curricula. Her work focuses on aligning people, programs, and priorities to advance student achievement and institutional goals.

Known for her collaborative and strengths-based leadership approach, Virginia helps bring together faculty, staff, and campus partners to address emerging opportunities and challenges in student success. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, she leverages strengths-based practices to support team development, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. She is particularly recognized for fostering cross-campus partnerships, advancing professional learning initiatives, and helping shape programs and strategies that enhance the student experience.

Before joining the Division of Student Success, Virginia held multiple leadership roles at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, including positions within Teaching & Learning Innovation and University Honors. Across her career, she has developed expertise in strategic planning, program development, curriculum design, and organizational leadership. She earned a doctorate in English from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in English from the University of Alabama, and bachelor’s degrees in English and History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, bringing a strong academic foundation to her work in higher education and student success.

Education: PhD in English, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; master’s in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, University of Alabama; bachelor’s degree in English and history, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

CliftonStrengths: Context, Harmony, Learner, Arranger, Consistency.