Dean, College of Engineering

Overview

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 COE 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 be a visionary and strategic academic leader with a distinguished scholarly record, exceptional communication skills, and proven administrative and fiscal acumen. 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.

In addition, the 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.

Visionary and strategic academic leader with distinguished scholarly record, exceptional communication skills, and proven administrative and fiscal acumen. Ability to cultivate philanthropic opportunities at scale, manage strategic resources, and lead a large and complex academic enterprise.

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. Witt Kieffer 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 Witt Kieffer consultants supporting this search:
Suzanne Teer, Cathryn Davis, and Corin Edwards at VTDe

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies, contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540‑231‑2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.