BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - Bill Roth, legendary 'Voice of the Hokies,' is returning to Virginia Tech as a professor in the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
For 27 years, he provided radio play-by-play for Virginia Tech football and men's basketball. He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
"The future of Virginia Tech is so bright – not just on the fields and on the courts, but throughout the commonwealth, academically, culturally, and institutionally," said Roth. "I'm very honored to join the communication department and have the opportunity to work with incredible students."
During his earlier time at Virginia Tech, Roth increasingly took on teaching roles. He created a successful Student Broadcaster Program, mentored and coached students in the studio and at live Olympic events, and served as a frequent guest lecturer in communication classes.
"We're delighted to have Bill Roth join us," said Robert Denton, chair of Virginia Tech's Department of Communication. "Students have been clamoring for more courses in sports media and analytics, and we're fortunate to have someone of his expertise and professionalism help us strengthen our academic offerings for existing and new majors. Bill will make great contributions to teaching and mentoring the next generation of sports communicators."
Virginia Tech's Department of Communication offers majors in multimedia journalism, public relations, and communication studies.
"I'm looking forward to instilling in students the passion and energy I bring to the broadcasting booth," Roth said. "The department's first-rate faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to expanding the sports media and analytics program made the opportunity irresistible. And I'm excited to be home!"