Norrine Bailey Spencer (Ph.D./EDRE ’89), 62, former Pamplin associate dean of undergraduate programs and retired Virginia Tech associate provost and director of undergraduate admissions, died Sept. 23.

In reflecting upon Spencer’s more than 20 years service in the college, Pamplin dean Richard E. Sorensen recalled that she once noted that she felt more comfortable being “Dean Spencer in 1046 Pamplin Hall” than in any other role she had had in her professional life. “Norrine provided extraordinary leadership to our college and was remarkable in her ability to get things done,” Sorensen said. She led the development of a freshman-sophomore advising center, a job development and career services program, and initiatives with the state community college system. She also taught hundreds of students in the Introduction to Business course. This past spring, she received the college’s Lifetime Contribution to Diversity Excellence Award.

“But Norrine was best known and loved for her enthusiasm, her energy, her friendship, and her thoughtful and caring approach to students, faculty, and staff,” Sorensen said. “There are many, many Pamplin alumni today who benefited from her teaching, guidance, and friendship.”