Patricia Raun

Patricia (Patty) Raun is the Alumni Distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts at Virginia Tech and Founding Director of the Center for Communicating Science. She holds a B.F.A. from the University of Nebraska and an M.F.A. from Penn State University, with additional training at Harvard University's American Repertory Theatre and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. Her work bridges arts and sciences, emphasizing communication across disciplinary and societal divides.

As Director of the Center for Communicating Science since 2017, Raun has led over 300 global workshops and collaborations with institutions like the NSF and Nature Conservancy. Her leadership includes a decade as Founding Director of the School of Performing Arts, overseeing construction of the $116M Center for the Arts and managing budgets exceeding $7.5M.

Research focuses on acting, voice/text techniques, and science communication. Key contributions include her keynote 'Let Your Life Speak: The Art of Connecting Across Difference' and over 200 acting roles. Awards include Virginia Tech’s highest teaching and leadership recognitions, alongside major grants totaling $18M for pandemic preparedness and agricultural communication initiatives.

Professional roles include VASTA President (2010–2012), NAST Board Member (2015–2017), and accreditation evaluator for theatre programs nationwide. She is a Fellow of the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability since 2013.