Description

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and forward-looking leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Engineering. The Dean will join one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive engineering colleges during a period of extraordinary opportunity and momentum—anchored by a rapidly expanding research enterprise, nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs, and strategic growth throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and in the greater Washington, D.C. region.

With more than 13,700 students, almost 900 faculty and staff, 12 departments, and 2 schools, and nearly $280 million in annual research expenditures, the College of Engineering (COE) stands as a national leader in engineering education, research, and innovation. The College plays a central role in Virginia Tech's land-grant mission, its aspirations for global distinction, its commitment to access and affordability, and its impact on economic development across the Commonwealth. The next Dean will have the opportunity to guide a large and complex academic enterprise, requiring strategic resource management, strong external partnerships, and the ability to cultivate philanthropic opportunities at scale.

Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg—consistently ranked among the country's best places to live—is complemented by a significant and rapidly growing presence in Roanoke and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. The Institute for Advanced Computing, located in Alexandria, Virginia, and the Coalition for Smart Construction at Virginia Tech, under development in Falls Church, Virginia, represent transformational opportunities for the College of Engineering to expand graduate education, applied research, industry engagement, and workforce development in one of the world's most dynamic tech ecosystems. As the Commonwealth of Virginia's most comprehensive university and a leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers about 110 undergraduate majors and more than 120 master's and doctoral degree programs to more than 38,000 students and manages a research portfolio of close to $600 million. The University fulfills its role as a land-grant institution by fostering a collaborative environment that integrates technology into all disciplines so that the Virginia Tech community can serve as a force for positive change around the Commonwealth, the country, and the world. Through experiential learning, future-focused research, and an inclusive, spirited culture, Virginia Tech strives to accomplish the charge of its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

The next Dean of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering will be a visionary and strategic academic leader with a distinguished scholarly record, exceptional communication skills, and proven administrative and fiscal acumen. Building on the College's strong foundation and accelerating its trajectory, this leader will advance bold new directions in engineering education and research, amplifying national prominence and global influence while fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and transdisciplinary collaboration. The Dean will drive innovation in curriculum and experiential learning, strengthen student success, and expand graduate programs aligned with workforce needs. The Dean will also catalyze a growing research enterprise, forge high-impact partnerships, secure cutting-edge infrastructure, and guide strategic academic and organizational growth. Additionally, the next dean will deepen the College's presence in Northern Virginia, leveraging the region's unique assets to advance research, graduate education, and partnerships that address national priorities and fuel economic development.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, found here. WittKieffer is assisting Virginia Tech in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 2, 2026. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search: Suzanne Teer, Cathryn Davis, and Corin Edwards at VTDeanEngineering@wittkieffer.com.

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