Gary Kirk

Gary is an interdisciplinary social scientist whose research explores partnership dynamics, collective problem solving, and systems thinking. Prior to joining CENI, he held faculty and administrative appointments at Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Dickinson College, and Washington & Lee University. From 2011-2018, Gary served as the director of VT Engage. His work includes community engagement initiatives to address equitable access to higher education, workforce development, the cradle-to-prison pipeline, environmental justice, and housing and food security, among others. Gary serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Experiential Education. He is a first-generation college graduate from rural Appalachia.