Professor Laurel Schirr has been an instructor for the Department of Marketing since 2009 and has recently announced her plans to retire this upcoming summer semester. During her time with the Department of Marketing Laurel has served as the Faculty Advisor for the student chapter of the American Marketing Association, also known as AMA. She has taught a variety of undergraduate courses such as International Marketing, Marketing Management, Advertising, Marketing Communications, Strategic Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Marketing, Society and Public Interests. Laurel has also been a large part of the MBA programs and Virginia Tech’s Bridge to Business Post-Doctoral Program. She has co-authored a number of articles focusing on sales management, social media and pedagogy. Many of these publications have been presented at conferences involving the subject areas of pedagogy and sales management. Laurel has been a great contributor to the marketing department, and she will be greatly missed. 

Well Wishes for Laurel Schirr

“Laurel, congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for being a wonderful colleague and friend! I appreciate and enjoy your kind personality and fun conversations. I will miss you and fondly remember the time of knocking at your office door to be welcomed into your warm space and genuine sharing of work and life.Abundant blessings in your new chapter of life!” - Jennifer Hsu

“Laurel, congratulations on your retirement. While I am so very happy for you, I can say without a doubt, you are going to be missed in the department. There are so many memories over the past years that listing just one is practically impossible. We have worked together on many projects including the Majors Fair, advising students, and we have bonded over sharing stories during many of the departmental social gatherings. You have been a huge asset to the department. Thank you for your service but more so, your friendship. Think of me whenever you are sitting on the sandy beaches. Keep in touch!” - Misty Blankenship

“Congratulations Laurel! I will miss seeing your smiling face but I am so happy for you. It has been a pleasure to get to know you this year! Take care and enjoy that grandchild" – Chelle Darr

“You will be sorely missed Laurel. You have been a very dedicated and committed teacher. Your can-do attitude and pleasant demeanor was also very infectious. You have not only inspired scores of students in your classes, but you have also impacted the local community. As faculty advisor to Virginia Tech’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter, you have played a critical role in sharing our

Knowledge and skills in helping the local community, and have made a difference on both a local as well as at the national level. I wish you all the best as you start a new chapter in your life. However, you were and will always remain a member of our family. Please do not forget us and visit often. Happy Trails.” - Dr. Rajesh Bagchi

“Congratulations, Laurel! I have enjoyed my time working with you, and I am so very excited for you on your next chapter in life! Have fun, and visit us often!” - A’me Dalton

Please email ababer3@vt.edu to add a congratulatory message.