Patricia (Patty) Raun

Patricia Raun is the Alumni Distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts at Virginia Tech and Founding Director of the Center for Communicating Science, where she bridges the arts and sciences to help researchers, faculty, and professionals develop powerful skills in communicating across differences of all kinds. The Alumni Distinguished Professorship represents Virginia Tech's most prestigious faculty appointment, reserved for those demonstrating extraordinary accomplishments across teaching, research, and engagement.

As Founding Director of the Center for Communicating Science since 2017, Raun has championed the evolution of reciprocal relationship between scientists and scholars and the public. Under her leadership, the Center has delivered over 300 workshops and presentations to more than 30,000 participants globally, including collaborations with the National Science Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, and institutions across Kenya, Wales, and Germany. The Center's innovative approach uses theatre-based techniques to help participants develop authentic, spontaneous communication skills that transcend traditional academic boundaries.

Raun's academic journey spans nearly four decades at Virginia Tech, where she has journeyed from Assistant Professor of Voice and Acting to a distinguished faculty member. She earned her M.F.A. in Theatre from Pennsylvania State University and B.F.A. from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, complemented by intensive professional training at institutions including the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.

Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As Founding Director of the School of Performing Arts from 2007-2017, Raun contributed to the creation of Virginia Tech's comprehensive arts infrastructure, including the $116 million Center for the Arts complex. She successfully managed budgets exceeding $7.5 million while overseeing 65 faculty members and programs serving over 250 undergraduate and graduate students.

Raun's scholarly accomplishments encompass over 200 acting roles, numerous directing credits, and publications that explore the intersection of voice, communication, and human connection. Her keynote address "Let Your Life Speak: The Art of Connecting Across Difference" has resonated with international audiences, while her graduate courses in communicating science consistently operate at full capacity.

Recognition for her work includes the William E. Wine Award for Teaching Excellence, induction into Virginia Tech's Academy of Teaching Excellence, and the Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence. She has helped secure over $1.2 million in funding for her programs, including recent major grants totaling over $18 million from the National Science Foundation and USDA for pandemic preparedness and international agricultural communication initiatives.

Beyond Virginia Tech, Raun has served as President of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association, board member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, and as a visiting evaluator for theatre program accreditation nationwide. Her commitment to advancing the arts in higher education has influenced institutions across the country.