Dublin Core
Title
Virginia Tech Vice Presidents Oral History with Thomas Goodale, July 12, 1995 (Ms2024-082)
References
Description
Dr. Thomas G. Goodale served as vice president for Student Affairs from 1988- 1995. In this interview, Thomas discusses his childhood, career, work as vice president for Student Affairs, and the challenges and responsibilities of the role.
As a child Thomas's family would move often as they were members of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus troupe. This childhood experience prepared him for the amount of traveling necessary for a career in student affairs. He likens this job to coaching, necessitating change to allow new ideas to form.
As vice president for Student Affairs, Thomas had three major goals: make Virginia Tech a more friendly campus, help diversify the campus, and improve student life facilities. One project he worked on to accomplish these goals was the renovation of the Squires Student Center. This renovation transformed Squires Student Center into a comfortable meeting area for students that showcased multiple different cultural centers.
To improve the friendliness on campus and move away from the previous all-male, military rigidity, Thomas found it important to know students on a first name basis and have an open door policy. As a huge proponent of affirmative action, he wanted to see major changes to the demographic make up of Virginia Tech students.
When looking back at his career at Virginia Tech, Thomas was proud of the work he did to make this campus a safe place for all people. His beliefs in diversity and acceptance as well as his focus on the improvement of education are detailed in this interview.
As a child Thomas's family would move often as they were members of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus troupe. This childhood experience prepared him for the amount of traveling necessary for a career in student affairs. He likens this job to coaching, necessitating change to allow new ideas to form.
As vice president for Student Affairs, Thomas had three major goals: make Virginia Tech a more friendly campus, help diversify the campus, and improve student life facilities. One project he worked on to accomplish these goals was the renovation of the Squires Student Center. This renovation transformed Squires Student Center into a comfortable meeting area for students that showcased multiple different cultural centers.
To improve the friendliness on campus and move away from the previous all-male, military rigidity, Thomas found it important to know students on a first name basis and have an open door policy. As a huge proponent of affirmative action, he wanted to see major changes to the demographic make up of Virginia Tech students.
When looking back at his career at Virginia Tech, Thomas was proud of the work he did to make this campus a safe place for all people. His beliefs in diversity and acceptance as well as his focus on the improvement of education are detailed in this interview.
Date
Type
Identifier
Ms2024-082_ThomasGoodale
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Interviewer
Narrator
Thomas Goodale
Duration
01:00:45