Janice Branch Hall

Biography

Dr. Janice Branch Hall has been appointed to head the newly established Office of Transformation within the Pamplin College of Business, previously known as the Office for DEIB. This transition underscores Pamplin's commitment to cultivating an inclusive community, promoting the principle of responsibility, and aligning with the university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Dean Hall joined Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business in 2019 as the first director of diversity and inclusion. Before her work with Pamplin, she led diversity initiatives for the Wake Forest University School of Business and the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she served as Assistant Director for academic support and partnerships for the Office of Diversity and Community Relations.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Dean Hall holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the College of William and Mary, a Master's degree in Management from Wake Forest University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

In her expanded role, Dean Hall will continue to serve as a strategic partner and catalyst for fostering a culture of accountability, unity, and innovation within the college. Her focus on advancing initiatives that support employee well-being, champion inclusive excellence, and drive meaningful change will be key in shaping Pamplin’s future. In a recent article featured in the Pamplin Dean’s Newsletter, she outlined the office’s mission to “manage both individual and collective actions, behaviors, and interactions with one another” to achieve what she refers to as “people excellence.”

Dean Hall’s research centers around DEIB in business education, specifically illuminating the voices of underrepresented and underserved populations. Her dissertation study explored the lived experiences of Black women faculty in predominately White business schools. The Office of Transformation will play a critical role in supporting the college's dedication to inclusive practices and continuous improvement, ensuring that Pamplin remains a dynamic environment for both personal and professional growth.