Main Staff
Program Directors of Wa:ǫšpépioį : Indigenous Student Summer Outreach Program
The Program Directors serve as the Administrators of Wa:ǫšpépioį: Indigenous Student Summer Outreach Program. They oversee all aspects of its operations, ensuring the program's mission aligns with the needs and values of Indigenous students and their communities. The directors should be informed of all issues affecting the quality of the program, personnel, Instructional Faculty, Camp Counselors, and Students' well-being.
Dr. Edward Polanco
Yek Tunal! (Good day)
My name is Dr. Polanco and I was born in Los Angeles, CA though my family and ancestors are from Kuskatan (Western and Central El Salvador). Both of my parents walked to what is now called the United States in the 70's and I grew up speaking Spanish in a community that had immigrants from various parts of Mesoamerica. I am a student of Nawat (my ancestral language), and a scholar of Nahua peoples in what is today called Mexico and Central America. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I am presently an assistant professor in the Department of History at Virginia Tech. I am deeply committed to empowering Indigenous students and communities in all of Turtle Island and Abya Yala (also known as "the Americas") and I look forward to helping you all make your way to college!
Dr. Donna Westfall-Rudd
Hello, I'm Dr. Donna Westfall-Rudd, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education where my work focuses on teaching and mentoring future agriculture and food system educators. My passion is work with others to ensure all are welcome and feel included in educational programs.
I grew up on a small family livestock farm in rural New York where I raised sheep. I enjoyed being a part of 4-H and being a member of our school band.
Prior to coming to Virginia Tech, I was a secondary agricultural education teacher in a rural community in upstate New York, about an hour south of Canada. I also served as the state coordinator for agricultural education in New York for ten years.
I am very excited to help with our new summer program and look forward to getting to know all of you. As a faculty member I have the unique opportunity to live in O'Shaughnessy Hall, where the participants in this program will be staying during the week on campus. I can't wait to share the campus community with all of you!
The Cultural Director of the Ati Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center (ICC)
Dr. Melissa Faircloth
Melissa Faircloth began directing the Indigenous Community Center in November of 2018. Along with supporting the Indigenous student community, she plans and coordinates Native and Indigenous Heritage month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day programs, and powwow. Originally from North Carolina, she is an enrolled member of the Coharie tribal community. She earned a Bachelors in Business and a Masters in Sociology from East Carolina University. She completed her doctoral degree in sociology at Virginia Tech. Her research examines the intersections of campus climate and institutional support for Native students.