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Week of September 8-12

2025

Destination Areas: Proposals for project planning, development grants due October 15 

Virginia Tech is soliciting proposals for the next phase of Destination Areas (DA) projects that are aligned with our Beyond Boundaries vision and will achieve the strategic priorities in The Virginia Tech Difference: Advancing Beyond Boundaries. 

The Destination Areas Planning and Development Grants (Phase I) will be awarded a maximum amount of $50,000 and are expected to support team and project development over an approximately four-month period. 

Funding is intended to support awardees in as they engage in a process that is designed to:

  • better understand and articulate the strategic opportunities and additional resources (e.g., talent, facilities, equipment, etc.) that would be needed to advance the project further and fully realize longer-term project goals; and 
  • gauge the probability of success in achieving long-term project goals. 

Proposals are due by October 15 and should be emailed as a single PDF attachment to Catherine Amelink, associate vice provost in the Office of the Executive Vice Provost. Submissions will receive confirmation of receipt by email. 

For more information including details on sections, criteria, and key questions to be addressed, read this campus notice, visit the Destination Areas project proposal webpage, or email Catherine Amelink.

Virginia Tech: Internal application process for executive vice president and provost search 

The search committee for Virginia Tech’s next executive vice president and provost has developed an internal application process for candidates who are interested in applying for this position. The information, as well as the details for submitting nominations, is included on the Office of the President's website. 

Candidate materials must be received no later than September 17. 

Department heads and faculty are encouraged to consider nominating colleagues who would serve the university well in this important leadership role. 

For more information or if you are interested in applying or nominating some one for the position, visit the search webpage or email the search committee.

CIRED: Global Development Discussion Series connects continents, linking research and practice 

The Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED) has announced the lineup for this fall’s Global Development Discussion Series, which brings together scholars and development practitioners from around the world to share insights on international development.

This semester’s talks will explore themes of sustainable food systems, entrepreneurship, and ethnographic research across diverse global contexts. All events begin at 1:30 p.m., are free and open to the public, and include both Zoom and, in some cases, in-person options. 

  • September 18 – Enhancing resilience of Lake Victoria’s fisheries: Strengthening women’s fisheries organizations for sustainable food systems
  • October 9 – From Margins to Markets: Women, Technology, and Entrepreneurial Development in Emerging Markets
  • November 13 – Gender Empowerment and Sustainable Development: How ethnography can help us untangle this complicated relationship 

For more information or to register for one or more sessions, read this campus notice or visit the Global Development Discussion Series webpage.

Provost’s Office: Northern Virginia Steering Committee to hold town hall in Alexandria 

The Northern Virginia Steering Committee, led by Julie Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering and special advisor to the president, will host a town hall discussion on September 25, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Academic Building One in Alexandria with a social reception to follow. 

Ross will provide an overview of the final Phase 3 recommendations and next actions steps from the working groups who engaged Washington D.C. area faculty and staff during the 2024-25 academic year. The working groups focused on parking and transportation; space utilization and rent models; tuition and fees; and student housing in the region. 

For more information and to register to attend, read this campus notice or visit the Virginia Tech in the D.C. Area website. In-person attendance is encouraged with a Zoom option available if needed.

ICYMI: Welcome to the 2025-26 academic year message from Provost Cyril Clarke 

Provost Cyril Clarke recently shared a message to welcome faculty and academic program staff to the 2025-26 academic year, and to provide important information and updates on university initiatives, priorities, and opportunities that will impact Virginia Tech’s academic and research efforts. 

“Whether you are new to Virginia Tech or returning from the summer break, I look forward to working together and wish you all the best for the year ahead. The Provost’s Office, along with university and faculty leadership groups, is here to support and advocate for you in your teaching, research, and service activities.” 

Read the full message from Provost Clarke.

Additional Resources and Updates

Newsletter Spotlight: Hokie Family eNews (Student Affairs) 

Please submit a Google form or email Provost Communications for comments or recommendations to improve the Weekly Communications Update or to share faculty, staff, and academic program personnel information.

Visit the provost’s website frequently for new and updated university information. All members of the campus community should also read their VT News daily email for further important updates, notices, and resources.