Marquette’s Diederich College of Communication is proud to welcome back one of its own, Dr. Virginia Sánchez, who joins the faculty this fall as assistant professor of corporate communication.
Born and raised on Milwaukee’s south side, Sánchez has deep roots in Marquette’s hometown. Her family originally emigrated from Mexico, and she discovered an academic path at Marquette through programs for first-generation and high-achieving students like her, including Urban Scholars Program, the Educational Opportunity Program, the Honors Program and the McNair Scholars Program. It was through McNair that she first developed a passion for qualitative research, setting her on the path towards her future career.
After Marquette, Sánchez went on to earn her master’s and doctorate at Purdue University, where she honed her research and teaching skills. After completing her Ph.D., she began her career at Auburn University. While she valued her time there, she always hoped to return to her hometown and to Marquette. “My goal was always to come back,” she shares. “This university gave me an excellent education and so many opportunities. Now my goal is to give my students an even better education.”
“I want students to see how what they’re doing in the classroom connects to real-world opportunities and their own futures.”
In the classroom, Sánchez pursues that goal in creative and committed ways. She is excited to incorporate service learning into her organizational communication courses, giving students hands-on opportunities to work with community organizations. She also emphasizes practical skills, such as running effective meetings and negotiating salaries, skills she believes are essential for success after graduation. “Active learning is really important,” she explains. “I want students to see how what they’re doing in the classroom connects to real-world opportunities and their own futures.”
Her research explores timely and human-centered topics, including immigration narratives, perceptions of “deservingness” and the role of “callings” in our lives and careers. She is currently working on projects that use innovative methods like PhotoVoice, which invites participants to share their experiences through photography. Her research also looks ahead to important issues like how retirees navigate purpose and identity when leaving the workforce.
Beyond teaching and research, Sánchez has explored numerous hobbies outside of her academic endeavors. She has dabbled in baking, embroidery, woodworking, and most recently sewing. She’s also an avid reader with a love for science fiction; some of her favorite books include Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
“Projects and assignments can be more than grades; they can become building blocks for your future.”
Looking ahead, Sánchez is excited to engage with the Milwaukee community, particularly around opportunities for entrepreneurship and organizational growth among immigrant communities. “Marquette has always excelled at preparing students for meaningful careers,” she said. “I want to help our students make connections between their education and the world around them and also find ways to give back to the communities they come from.”
Her advice for students? Don’t think of your class in isolation. “The skills you learn in one class can — and should — carry into the next,” she explained. “More importantly, think about how what you’re learning connects to the kind of work you want to do after graduation. Your projects and assignments can be more than grades; they can become building blocks for your future.”
With her passion for research, commitment to teaching, and roots in Milwaukee, Dr. Sánchez brings energy and inspiration to Marquette. And the Diederich College of Communication is thrilled to welcome her home.
