From Provost Julie Ross: Honored to Serve as Executive Vice President and Provost

Dear colleagues, 

As we launch the spring 2026 semester, I am honored to begin my service as your new Executive Vice President and Provost. I am grateful for the warm welcome and kind words of encouragement that I have received, and look forward to working together to achieve our strategic goals and priorities. 

Virginia Tech is a university with extraordinary vision, momentum, and purpose, and one whose success is built upon our strength of faculty scholarship, innovation, and collaboration. As an academic enterprise, it is important that we continue to develop and expand existing areas of excellence while also supporting new ideas and approaches that have the potential to become future university programs and initiatives. My role as provost is to advance those existing and emerging areas of excellence by ensuring resources and investments are aligned, and appropriate for long-term success. 

Clear communication from the Provost’s Office and academic leaders, transparency around academic priorities and the processes we use to achieve them, and a shared understanding of our challenges and opportunities is equally important, especially at this critical time for higher education. Over the coming weeks and months, I plan to spend a significant amount of time hearing your ideas and perspectives, understanding your challenges, and learning from your experiences at Virginia Tech. 

I have great confidence in our collective ability to move Virginia Tech forward in ways that are distinctive, relevant, and sustainable. I also believe strongly that our people are the foundation and heart of this institution and its success. You – our faculty, staff, department and college leaders, and academic partners – and your ability to identify compelling ideas, connect creatively across disciplines, and advance Virginia Tech’s mission are why I am excited to serve as your Provost. 

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students and Virginia Tech. I am excited about the work ahead and truly grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve you, your colleagues, and this outstanding university community. 

In the spirit of Ut Prosim,

Julie