Creative Studio

Web Developer, Marketing and Communications//Lauren Shutt is a web designer and developer with a passion for creating engaging digital experiences. As part of the Creative Studio, she supports LINK’s web strategy by collaborating with designers, stakeholders, and writers to manage content and create clean, accessible front-end code that translates into a compelling web presence.<br/>Prior to joining the Creative Studio, Lauren worked as the inaugural accessibility developer for the Office of Equity and Accessibility, web manager for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and webmaster for the Center for Power Electronics Systems. She has a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and an M.A. in anthropology from George Mason University.//lauren.shutt@vt.edu

Senior Content Strategist for Principal Giving// Albert Raboteau draws from over 25 years’ experience in journalism and higher-education marketing and communications to help raise money and awareness for university priorities. Since joining Virginia Tech’s marketing and communications team in 2007, he has collaborated with colleagues throughout the university to help secure record gifts and cement Virginia Tech as a national leader in alumni giving participation.<br/>Albert earned a double-major B.A. in journalism and anthropology from New York University and an M.A. in communication from Virginia Tech. Along with being an alumnus, he is the proud Hokie parent of a student in the university’s fish and wildlife conservation program.//raboteau@vt.edu//(540) 267-6061

Content Writer, Marketing and Communications//Suzanne Miller works to create powerful messaging that captures Hokie innovation across campus and cultivates relationships to advance the university’s mission. Previously, she worked for the university’s College of Engineering, helping to produce their biannual digital magazine and collaborating with departmental communicators on effective, engaging strategies.<br/>Suzanne thrives on helping colleagues find their voice. She treats each project as an opportunity to connect with an audience emotionally and intellectually. She has an M.A. in film studies from Hollins University, an M.S. in information sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a B.A. in English and philosophy from Roanoke College.//suzannerm@vt.edu

Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing and Communications//Brian Yohn designs digital and printed materials in support of high-dollar fundraising and other engagement efforts.<br/>Previously, Brian worked for Virginia Tech in multiple positions from 2008-2022, beginning as a graphic design manager with the Student Affairs marketing and communications team, transferring to the Moss Arts Center as their creative services manager for three seasons, then returning to Student Affairs to lead the creative team as the assistant director of creative services while simultaneously teaching as an adjunct for Virginia Tech’s graphic design program. Brian earned an associate’s degree, specializing in graphic design, from Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts in York, Pennsylvania.//byohn@vt.edu

Content Specialist, Marketing and Communications//As content specialist for the Creative Studio, Emma Davis strengthens relationships with industry partners and university donors through the strategizing and execution of creative projects. From graphic design to writing and copyediting, her wide-ranging skill set enables extensive creative collaboration across the team.<br/>Emma is motivated by the real-world opportunities and support that our partnerships provide for students every day. She is most inspired by the opportunity to help open doors for Hokies both on and off campus. She has a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from Virginia Tech and an associate’s degree in arts and sciences from Virginia Western Community College.//emmaleo18@vt.edu

Content Writer, Marketing and Communications//Laura West supports the mission of the Advancement Division by writing materials to secure major gifts from new and sustaining philanthropists and establish relationships with industrial partners. Through these efforts, Laura fosters the growth of Virginia Tech’s programs across engineering, the sciences, agriculture, technology, the arts, athletics, and multiple student-focused programs.<br/>Laura brings an extensive background in science writing and communication to this role, leveraging her ability to condense complex information into simple, digestible formats to create engaging content for potential stakeholders. She holds a B.S. in physics from Stony Brook University.//laurayw@vt.edu