Paula Van Curen

Meet Paula Van Curen

I’ve been working as an academic and study abroad advisor in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering since November 2012. Like Maggie, I completed my Master’s degree in Higher Education (2001) and my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (1998) at Virginia Tech.

Before I came to the ISE department, I worked as an academic advisor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering department at VA Tech for 11 years.  I also worked in the Dean of Students office, the College of Business Academic Dean’s office and the Registrar for a grand total of 25+ years at Virginia Tech.

Before embarking on my Virginia Tech career, I served in the United States Air Force as a Ground Radio Technician in England and Germany from 1985-1991. I met my husband, Sam, in Germany and we were married in August 1990. Shortly after, we left the USAF behind to begin our new life in Blacksburg and never regretted our decision in moving here!

Sam and I live in Blacksburg with our many cats (yes, we are one of those people). We work with an organization near and dear to our hearts, “Animal Hope Alliance” which works with reducing the number of stray and feral cats in Montgomery County and finding homes for adoptable cats. We also enjoy traveling, gardening and eating out at the dozens of great local restaurants located in Blacksburg & Christiansburg with our small circle of friends.

I am so fortunate to work with ISE students and seeing the good you are doing for the world through your Senior Design projects, undergraduate research, community Involvement, and so on. I look forward to meeting the newly admitted ISE students and welcome back the returning ISE students this fall.

In addition to academic & career advising, I meet with ISE students interested in study/intern/research abroad. Please email, call, or pop in to say hi whenever you have a question or need to chat.  I’ll be here!