Gerald W. Berkley-Coats
Assistant Director for International Support Services
Phone: (540) 231-6459
E-mail: gberkley@vt.edu
Expertise: non-student visas
Education: J.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1991; Ph.D., University of Hong Kong, 1977.
Languages: English, Mandarin
Countries of work experience: The People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Experience Summary: Before joining OIRED, Dr. Berkley-Coats taught Modern East Asian History at several universities including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Maryland at College Park, Virginia Tech, Auburn University at Montgomery, and the University of Guam. In addition to his work as a teacher, Dr. Berkley-Coats published a number of articles and an award-winning book on the subject.
In 1997, Dr. Berkley-Coats was named the Director for International Programs at the University of Guam. As part of his work, he traveled extensively throughout East and Southeast Asia to promote the university and recruit international students and scholars. Dr. Berkley-Coats also obtained the authority for the University of Guam to issue J-1 visa status to graduate students and research scholars. He retired from the university in 2002 and came to Virginia Tech shortly thereafter.
At Virginia Tech, Dr. Berkley-Coat’s primary responsibility is to process non-student (J-1 and H-1B) visas.
