Many dream of graduating from the University, but few have the opportunity to return less than a decade after they obtain their degrees to walk the halls of this institution as professors. For Vesla Weaver, a new professor in the department of politics, this dream has become a reality.
Graduating in 2001 from the University with a bachelor's in government and a minor in English, Weaver said she went on to earn a doctorate in government and social policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. After graduating earlier this year, Weaver was hired by the University's politics department to begin teaching this semester. She is currently teaching two classes, PLAP 370, "Racial Politics" and PLAP 700, "National Institutions and Processes."?
Weaver said her studies have encompassed a broad spectrum of issues including social policy, welfare, inequality, poverty, immigration, labor and race.She added, however, that she believes her "problem-oriented" research is not only relevant to those interested in the field of politics.
"My research isn't just geared toward the audience of political science," Weaver said."It's geared towards scholars in history and sociology but it's also very accessible to a larger public."
In addition to teaching, she is currently working on two books, one about the development of crime policy in the United States over time and the other, her dissertation, "Front-Lash: Race, Rights and the Politics of Punishment."
Assoc. Politics Prof. Lynn Sanders, said not only Weaver's academic achievements, but also her energy and "wisdom beyond her years," make Weaver exceptional.
According to Weaver, the small age gap between herself and her pupils is an advantage in the classroom,
"You have the ability to relate to students on a level that other professors can't," she said, "I was in their shoes not so long ago. I have a feel for what concerns they have, especially concerning race in politics."
According to Weaver, her passion could also serve the University.
"I know that this campus has some history with [racial] issues," she said. "I feel a very real need to exhibit my passion for the material we cover because I know that when I was in that same seat that passion from professors was contagious,"
This passion has been noticed by her peers.Politics Prof. Jeffrey Legro said he taught Weaver as an undergraduate at the University.
In his international relations class, Legro said he recognized a bright scholar who was an outgoing contributor to class discussion.
According to Legro, Weaver brings both "a better understanding of the contemporary culture and a strong background in her area of expertise."
Legro referred to Weaver as well-connected and well-known in her field as well as "a mover and a shaker" in her area of expertise.
Sanders added that Weaver's benefit to the University lies in her example to University students.
"One of the most important things about Professor Weaver is the way that she presents [to] U.Va students what they can do in the academic world that will make a difference," she said.
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