Creating space for connection: Carolyn Kogan joins Virginia Tech Marketing

Carolyn Kogan joined the Virginia Tech Department of Marketing as an assistant professor of practice, following her previous role as an adjunct instructor. She is grateful for the opportunity to connect with students, foster an environment of respect, and create thoughtful, experience-based teaching. She is excited for what the future holds, starting a new chapter of Hokie Headspace, shifting from audio to live-action videos. Along that, within her new role she hopes to start a mentorship program for marketing students to foster personal and professional growth. Her diverse background in education, time aboard, and experiences make her a perfect fit into the new Pamplin Plus Initiative. The Pamplin College of Business Department of Marketing is pleased to welcome Carolyn Kogan. 

Virginia Tech Marketing Ph.D. research reaches prestigious Journal of Marketing 

Former Virginia Tech Ph.D. student Jinyan Xiang, current marketing Ph.D. student Daniel Todorovic, and faculty mentor Mario Pandelaere co-authored a paper titled “Economic Inequality Hinders Consumers’ Access to Peer-To-Peer Services” in the Journal of Marketing. The study investigates how rising inequality shapes participation in emerging service marketplaces, revealing important implications for consumer welfare, platform design, and marketplace equity. This top-journal publication reflects the continued research excellence and societal impact of the Virginia Tech Marketing Ph.D. program. 

Empowering emerging marketing talent: A cross‑campus collaboration between Virginia Tech and West Potomac High School driving real‑world learning

Cori Carraway ’02, global head of mobile marketing at McAfee, led the charge alongside Virginia Tech students Lilly Bevan and Ava Samson in a collaboration exercise with West Potomac High School’s Career and Technical Education students ranging from entrepreneurship and marketing classes to showcase the power of experiential learning.  Students worked in small groups developing ideas based on their target segments, promotional strategies, and ways to retain customers through loyalty programs or unique experiences. By offering this mentoring and hands on learning, students can find their passion and find a way to connect it to a career with guidance. Carraway hopes to continue this collaboration with other high schools in the area, creating more micro-experiences to prepare students for college and the complex business world. Read more here.

Expanding the path: Savannah Meredith and Abby Stewart strengthening alumni impact 

Savannah Meredith ‘21 earned her degree with a major in marketing management and a minor in theatre performance, and completed both concentrations offered in the Virginia Tech Department of Marketing: digital marketing and professional sales. Since then, she has continued her marketing journey at Amazon Web Services (AWS). During her time at Virginia Tech, Meredith was an active member of PRISM, ultimately reaching the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in 2021, where she credits her leadership and account management skills that she uses in her professional role. Alongside Abby Stewart ‘23, they serve in leadership roles on the PRISM Alumni Advisory Council (PRAAC). They are working on expanding PRAAC’s membership to include additional alumni, particularly in the relevant fields of AI, consulting, and entrepreneurship, while strengthening student support through scholarship initiatives and increased alumni engagement at events. Read more here about PRAAC.

Spring Seminar Series

The Marketing Department at Virginia Tech will be hosting its Spring Seminar Series, featuring four accomplished professors from leading universities. This distinguished group includes Kanishka Misra (Boston College), Hema Yoganarasimhan (University of Washington), Bradley Shapiro (University of Chicago),and Dhruv Grewal (Babson College). These professors will be visiting Blacksburg to present their cutting-edge research, engage in dynamic discussions with Virginia Tech faculty and PhD students, and foster collaboration across institutions. The initiative underscores the department’s commitment to advancing marketing research and building meaningful academic partnerships. Join us in celebrating this vibrant exchange of ideas and innovation. View the spring 2026 schedule.