From Provost Julie Ross: Welcome to the 2026-27 Academic Year
As we close out the first week of the fall 2026 semester, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new faculty and program support staff to Virginia Tech and to welcome back those who are returning from a well-deserved summer break. It is great to see our students and colleagues moving across Virginia Tech campuses once again and getting reengaged in their academic passions and pursuits.
There are some important updates and information I would like to share with you regarding university priorities, resources, and announcements that will impact our academic and research efforts:
- Virginia Tech's Presidential Search – With the announcement of President Tim Sands’ retirement, a search is underway for the 17th president of Virginia Tech. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the process and share their perspectives and expectations for our next university leader.
- Artificial Intelligence at Virginia Tech – Guided by our institutional vision for AI and its responsible, ethical, and human-centered use within an evolving environment, HokieAI offers important information and resources to support faculty in their teaching and research activities.
- Virginia Tech Global Distinction – Institutional priority that reflects a commitment to excellence across our tripartite missions of education, research and outreach, and positions the university as a destination for attracting world-class faculty talent.
- Virginia Tech Advantage – Universitywide initiative that seeks to generate substantial new funding to offer the full educational experience to all students, regardless of income or underserved or underrepresented status.
- Innovation Network – Rooted in the mission and strengths of the greater Washington D.C. area, Virginia Tech is using opportunities to collaborate with partners in academia, industry, and government to address global challenges.
- Academic Freedom – Virginia Tech’s commitment to free inquiry and academic freedom includes the freedom of faculty to pursue scholarly lines of inquiry and creative expression as well as the freedom of students to study topics of personal and career interest.
- New College and Unit Leadership – Join me in welcoming and congratulating College of Engineering Dean Warren Dixon who joined us on July 10.
- Support and Resources for International Faculty and Students – Guidance and resources related issues such as immigration, international travel, and personal and data security, are available to assist employees in navigating recent changes to governmental and regulatory guidelines.
This is a pivotal time in the history of our institution, and you are an integral part of our future success. It is an honor to serve as your provost and to partner with you in mentoring our students during this transformative time in their lives.
As you support our students, please know that I, along with your deans, department heads, school directors, and university leaders, are here to support you. I will continue to share information, updates, and resources as often as possible through your deans and department heads as well as the Provost's Weekly Update.
In the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Julie