Paths to New Horizons

Annual Report 2012-13

Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Message from President Charles W. Steger When I was inaugurated as the 15th president of Virginia Tech in 2000, I did what many new presidents seek to do — I proposed major priorities that I thought would form the outline of a horizon that the university community could focus on in its drive to excel in all three areas essential to a land-grant institution: teaching and learning; research and discovery; and service and engagement.

Because of the dedication, talent, hard to compete for and win large-scale multidis- Early in my presidency, Tech faced a work, and spirit of amazing faculty, staff, ciplinary contracts. At the same time, while long list of critical space needs, and still students, and friends of the university, a we did not envision a relationship with Car- does to a lesser degree. Since 2000, we number of outstanding things have hap- ilion Clinic in 2000, we seized the oppor- have added or are constructing more than pened in the intervening years, and most of tunity to partner with them to establish the 3 million square feet of space valued at our goals have been achieved. It is fitting, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. more than a billion dollars, primarily for then, to transition to new leadership as The adjacent Virginia Tech Carilion Research new classrooms and instructional space, the university embarks on a new blueprint Institute is conducting groundbreaking work research, student services, and athletics. for inventing our future, embodied in the in brain research and other areas. One of the critical shortcomings we strategic plan “A Plan for a New Horizon: In 2000, we were already attracting faced was a lack of space for the fine and Envisioning Virginia Tech 2012-2018.” high-caliber students, but we set a goal performing arts; now we have Theatre 101 Looking back, the past 14 years have to seek out scholars of ever-increasing ac- and since the end of the fiscal year, we been have been by far the highlight of my ademic abilities and more diversity while have completed the magnificent Moss Arts 40-year career at Virginia Tech. In 2000, we also making sure that all who gained ad- Center. Other notable additions include set a goal to become one of the top research mission could afford Virginia Tech. Since The Inn at Virginia Tech and Conference universities in the country. As a result, our that time, overall enrollment has grown by Center, the Holtzman Alumni Center, research funding increased $192 million to 3,200, the average high school GPA of en- south- and west-side expansions to Lane $454 million. At the same time, we moved tering students has risen from 3.54 to 3.92, Stadium, Signature Engineering Building, into developing areas of research — such and underrepresented undergraduate en- Latham Hall, three buildings for the Insti- as human health and sustainability — that rollment has increased by 55 percent. We tute for Critical Technology and Applied were barely on our radar 15 years ago. have expanded our financial aid programs, Science, the Virginia Bioinformatics Insti- We adopted a business model that in- created the Funds for the Future initiative, tute complex, the Virginia Tech Research vested in seven large centralized research and completed a major fundraising cam- Center — Arlington, several residence institutes. This format allowed Virginia Tech paign, surpassing its $1 billion goal. halls, and more. 1 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Message from President Steger

Leaving the Big East was not part of We also imagined a new direction for Horizon” that will guide the university’s our plans in 2000, but in 2004 we took the land-grant university mission, helping future. And in this annual report covering advantage of the opportunity to realize a to create Southside Virginia’s Institute for the 2012-13 year, you will see numerous 50-year-old dream to join the Atlantic Advanced Learning and Research in Dan- examples of how we’ve already taken steps Coast Conference (ACC). Since then, ville, thus marrying the three-part mission toward that horizon. we’ve won four ACC football titles and, of outreach, instruction, and research with As a three-time graduate of this insti- more importantly, raised the caliber of ath- high-tech initiatives and local funding. tution, I am grateful for the opportunities letics in general and the national profile of The years since 2000 haven’t been for leadership and personal fulfillment that the university. without adversity. The nation has suffered Virginia Tech has afforded me. And even through Sept. 11, 2001, and two reces- as I prepare to step down, I am eager to see sions, and the university has weathered the future unfold — because I am assured severe state appropriation reductions. The of the university’s guiding characteristics: tragedy of April 16, 2007, was an unprece- Virginia Tech is a dynamic institution with dented and unimaginable event that tested an indomitable spirit, an entrepreneurial the mettle of the Hokie Nation. culture, the creativity and the ability to But through those years, we followed leverage our strengths, and a willingness to a plan. We seized opportunities that we take calculated risks that sets us apart from could not have foreseen. And we have other universities and propels us forward. been successful. Together, we laid the The promise of this university eclipses all groundwork for the “Plan for a New the challenges.

Since President Charles W. Steger stepped in to lead Virginia Tech in 2000, the university has added or started constructing 3 million square feet of essential teaching, research, living, and athletic space, including the impressive Signature Engineering Building (below). Another addition, the Moss Arts Center, will help attract more luminaries like Toni Morrison (left), who was honored in Blacksburg in 2012.

2 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

A Plan for a New Horizon Few documents or processes are more important to the overall organizational health of Virginia Tech than the collective brainstorming and communal commitment embedded in a formal plan for the future.

Even as President Charles W. Steger leaves the helm of Virginia Tech, his imprint on the university will carry on in many ways, including those in the newest strategic plan, “A Plan for a New Horizon 2012-2018.” Crafted by 60 people who represent every facet of the university and who put 10 months into gathering input, the plan is guided by four structuring challenges that affect the entire university: • the implications of global interdependence; • the challenges of a data-driven society; • meeting research expectations; and • the continuing need to focus on organizational efficiency and flexibility.

Following are a number of the points in the plan that will pave Virginia Tech’s path to the future and help the university address the challenges of tomorrow. In this year’s Annual Report, you will also see ways in which some of the critical areas were already being addressed in 2012-13. • We will be characterized by increased engagement in many dimensions throughout the international arena, including undergraduate and graduate education and research partnerships. • We will continue expansion of graduate education, particularly in the STEM-H (sci- ence, technology, engineering, math, and health) disciplines. • We will look to create special “faculties” in the health sciences and in computational/ informational sciences. • We will continue to invest in a comprehensive educational portfolio in which the arts, humanities, business, and social sciences have an essential role. • Undergraduate education, characterized by a “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy, will connect real-life experience with academic concepts through research experiences or experiential learning. • In the interests of efficiency, adaptability, and global competitiveness, we must consid- er new combinations of majors and minors and encourage students to double-major. E-learning must be an important component of such a strategy. • We have identified certain themes to undergird our research and outreach expansion — security, resilience, health, and sustainability. These themes will inform business, industry, and policy-relevant research. • Most importantly, we strive for excellence and must continue to stress quality in our students, faculty, and institutional performance.

3 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Challenging academics elevate standards

As part of “A Plan for a New Horizon,” Virginia Tech is searching for new ways to strengthen science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM-H) among STEM-H and non-STEM-H students alike. Here, graduate students in the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering work to reduce jet engine noises. 4 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Challenging academics elevate standards In academics, keeping an institution’s sights on the horizon requires constant alteration and adaptation in order to continue offering the most challenging and comprehensive course work that will prepare well-rounded students for their futures. Updating and improving the institutional strategic plan is a crucial part of that work.

Among the important goals in “A Plan are exposed to science and math in general The Virginia Tech Summer Academy, for a New Horizon” and in the provost’s education courses, engineering has not which welcomed its first cohort of stu- implementation plan for selected academic traditionally been included. Because of the dents in late summer 2012, is designed elements is incorporating into the general strength of engineering education at Vir- to ease the transition from high school curriculum different ways of thinking, in- ginia Tech, it is logical to make it part of to college. It allows first-year students to cluding computational thinking and infor- the core education of all our STEM majors jumpstart their college careers by moving matics fluency — skills that are becoming and non-majors as well.” to campus in the summer for a special- increasingly necessary across all disciplines. The project’s goal is to strengthen ly designed program of academic and In 2012-13, the National Science STEM education at Virginia Tech, for co-curricular activities. Foundation (NSF) awarded Virginia Tech STEM majors and non-majors alike, with Participating students enrolled in 13 an EArly-concept Grant for Exploratory a particular focus on early exposure to and different learning tracks in discipline-spe- Research (EAGER) to explore innovative development of engineering design-based cific areas. Some earned credit toward their ways to incorporate engineering literacy teaching, supported by integrated technol- major, while others fulfilled general educa- into the general education curriculum. ogy tools. tion requirements. The result, according to This past year was dedicated to curriculum This grant also complements plans to Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus planning, with a pilot project scheduled revamp the university’s general education of Biological Sciences George Simmons, to launch in 2013-14. NSF will then eval- requirements, known as the Curriculum was outstanding. “I think this is one of the uate the project’s results to determine if for Liberal Education. greatest things to happen at the university additional money, potentially millions of since I have been here,” said Simmons, dollars, will be provided to continue the Summer and winter who taught biology to academy students. project long-term. academics revisited The small class size gave Simmons an “Virginia Tech is a leader in the sci- Virginia Tech is putting summer months opportunity to try things that are not pos- ence, technology, engineering, and math- and the winter break to better use academ- sible in his typically large classes, such as ematics (STEM) fields,” said Daniel A. ically in hopes of helping students get a a botany bicycle field trip on the Huckle- Wubah, former vice president for under- better start and enhancing the overall ed- berry Trail. “When was the last time I had graduate education. “While most students ucational experience. seven students in one class?” he asked. 5 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Challenging academics elevate standards

Switchgrass research at the Biological Sciences-Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Plant Growth Facility on Smithfield Plantation Road, relies on a computer control system that regulates plant growth bay environmental conditions and provides data on the Internet.

Another new major in environmental informatics, based in the Department of Forest Resources and Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, brings together informa- tion technology, data analysis, natural re- sources, geospatial science, and ecological modeling. In the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, students have a new foreign language major — Russian. A minor in biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering will help meet demand for one of the fastest-growing engineering fields in the world. The mi- nor also is expected to increase awareness of the graduate program at the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, which has garnered international head- lines for its research, especially in the field Outside of the classroom, students in a blended format with online and face- of preventing and/or minimizing head participated in workshops and seminars to to-face interactions, and in specialized traumas among soldiers in battle and foot- become better acquainted with the universi- education-abroad opportunities. ball players during games and practices. ty and its academic support resources. Peer Other new minors include diversity and mentors provided academy participants with New horizons in the classroom community engagement, peace studies guidance and community-building activities. Students will also benefit from a whole ar- and violence prevention, communication, The academy also supports several state ray of new majors, minors, and programs, and entrepreneurship. and university goals and initiatives. In as well as learning spaces designed to cross New master’s and doctoral degree pro- addition, the Virginia Higher Education disciplines and capitalize on the univer- grams in nuclear engineering have grown Opportunity Act of 2011, known as “Top sity’s current strengths while reaching to out of a master’s degree in mechanical Jobs 21,” challenges institutions to create fulfill society’s future needs. engineering with a nuclear certificate, re- programs to promote progress toward For instance, the State Council of flecting Tech’s dedication to educational earning a degree, enhance enrollment of Higher Education for Virginia approved a programs and research in the production underrepresented populations, and opti- bachelor’s degree program in real estate, a and delivery of energy. Meanwhile, the mize physical resources beyond the tradi- first of its kind at Tech and nationally. A departments of Religion and Culture and tional semester. partnership among six colleges, the pro- History in the College of Liberal Arts and During 2012-13, university officials gram intentionally crosses disciplinary lines Human Sciences, and Art History in the were also making plans for a similar session to produce well-rounded professionals who College of Architecture and Urban Studies to be held during the traditional winter can understand and manage financial trans- have collaborated on a new master of arts break. Courses will be delivered in multi- actions, permitting and site design, building program in material culture and public ple formats, including online, in residence, construction, and property management. humanities. By combining the studies of 6 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

material culture and public humanities, The students’ effort competed against a Andrea Ledesma, a junior majoring in his- students will learn to interpret physical number of structures designed by well- tory; Huanqing (Quinn) Liu, a computer objects and artifacts within historical and known architects and firms. science sophomore; and Lauren Withers, cultural frameworks, preparing them for a In the design/buildLAB, a studio course a junior majoring in biochemistry. broad range of careers in museums, histor- that provides valuable hands-on, minds-on A team of six students from the My- ical societies, humanities foundations, and experience, students work on a real-world ers-Lawson School of Construction took community or cultural organizations. project from conception to completion, a first place in the Associated Schools of Con- Academic excellence isn’t just about process that hones their skills in design, struction National Sustainable Building and the courses taught or majors offered, it’s construction, communication, and ad- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ- also about the ways students learn and the ministration. The Clifton Forge project mental Design) Competition, recording the facilities in which they learn. transformed a derelict tire factory into a highest total score ever in the competition. One such facility that is expected to gathering place for the community. They competed against 12 other collegiate change the very landscape of the university, Keith and Marie Zawistowski, fac- teams from across the country. just as it has altered its physical horizon, is ulty members in the School of Archi- Two computer science doctoral can- the Moss Arts Center. The center, which tecture + Design, are the co-founders didates received an IBM Fellowship by Steger envisioned early in his presiden- and directors of the lab. “It removes the competing in an international program cy, includes a 1,260-seat, state-of-the-art abstraction from education,” said Keith honoring exceptional doctoral students performance hall for music, theatre, and Zawistowski. “Instead of just proposing who have an interest in solving problems dance performance, and visual arts galler- a concept, they have a means to tangibly essential to innovation. They areBireswar ies for traditional, digital, and new media test that concept and realize the work. Laha and Min Li, who was awarded the exhibitions. The lineup for the first season, They have real clients and work with fellowship for the second consecutive year. which started in November 2013, ranges real consultants.” A team of seven geography and from timeless classics and family-friendly Julia Button, a junior honors stu- forestry graduate students took home offerings, to works with deep meaning and dent majoring in biological sciences and Virginia Tech’s second consecutive title global themes, to events with a fresh and biochemistry, was awarded a Barry M. in the national GeoLeague Challenge at sometimes unexpected perspective. Goldwater Scholarship. She was among the American Society for Photogramme- 271 sophomore or junior students across try and Remote Sensing conference. The Students achieving their best the nation selected for the honor. Button is team was composed of students from the Excellence in academic offerings and involved in cancer and drug research, and College of Natural Resources and Environ- teachings leads to excellence in student en- hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in cancer biology. ment and the College of Agriculture and deavors both in and outside the classroom, Eight Virginia Tech students presented Life Sciences. as seen in numerous ways in 2012-13. their undergraduate research and scholar- Xie Xin, a graduate student in interior For instance, the Clifton Forge Masonic ship at the eighth annual ACC Meeting design, won an interior design competition Amphitheater, designed and built by 16 of the Minds Conference in April. The sponsored by the Bienenstock Furniture third-year architecture students in the students included Kathryn Battle, a ju- Library, receiving $10,000 to continue her College of Architecture and Urban Studies’ nior majoring in wildlife science; Kenneth studies in interior design. Entrants were design/buildLAB, was named American-Ar- Black, a senior architecture major; Kat- asked to complete a design project that chitects Building of the Year 2012. The lyn Griffin, a senior in English; Carolyn incorporated residential and commercial award was based on a popular vote from Hughes, a sophomore majoring in bio- spaces meeting certain specifications. Xie among 50 Buildings of the Week high- chemistry and chemistry; William Klima, Xin’s winning design was an organization lighted on www.american-architects.com. a senior majoring in electrical engineering; for runaway youth. 7 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Inspirational trailblazing

Janine Hiller, professor of business law (left), and Patrick Fan, professor of accounting and information systems (below), help inspire students to blaze their own trails.

8 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Inspirational trailblazing Faculty members who inspire and educate are the ones who show eager, inquisitive students the path to the future. At Virginia Tech, we have nationally and internationally recognized teachers who help define our horizons.

Commonwealth kudos write software tests for their own work, In 2012-13, the commonwealth recognized and empowers students with the responsi- three of Virginia Tech’s top educators. Har- bility of demonstrating the correctness and old E. Burkhart, University Distinguished validity of their own programs. Professor and the Thomas M. Brooks “Forest scientists consider Harold Professor of Forestry in the College of Burkhart the father of forest biometrics, Natural Resources and Environment, and which explores the theory and applications Patricia M. Dove, C.P. Miles Professor of of quantitative models of forest stands,” Geosciences in the College of Science, were noted President Charles W. Steger. “Har- named Virginia Outstanding Scientists. old’s international leadership in this basic And Stephen Edwards, associate professor research vastly improved forest develop- of computer science with the College of ment, particularly in the South.” Engineering, was named a 2013 Virginia Burkhart’s principal trailblazing Outstanding Faculty Award winner. achievement was the development of Edwards’ award, the commonwealth’s a comprehensive, integrated set of for- highest honor for university faculty, comes est-yield forecasting models for stands on the heels of the Virginia Tech Board of subjected to a wide variety of management Visitors honoring him with the W.S. “Pete” treatments. Peers call Burkhart a world- White Chair for Innovation in Engineer- class scientist who has been one of the top ing Education for leading two computer leaders for more than three decades. science curriculum reform efforts during “Professor Burkhart’s modeling methods the past decade. have been adopted, extended, and applied Edwards’ most-prominent educational in Virginia, across America, and around project is called the Web-based Center for the world, thus contributing to the goal of Automated Testing, or Web-CAT, which sustainable management of forest resources,” has been adopted by 75 institutions na- explained Paul Winistorfer, dean of the Col- tionwide. Web-CAT is the most widely lege of Natural Resources and Environment. used open-source academic grading tool of Patricia Dove, who in 2012 was elect- its kind in the world, with nearly 10,000 ed to the National Academy of Sciences, users. It provides rapid, directed comments is the director of the Biogeochemistry of on student work, encourages students to Earth Processes research group. By us- 9 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Inspirational trailblazing

Visit www.vtnews.vt.edu/awards/2013-facstaff-awards.html to read more about faculty/staff award winners.

ing chemical principles and nanoscale completing a master’s degree in microbi- lege of Agriculture and Life Sciences and analytical methods, Dove has become an ology, he came to the United States and associate dean of the university’s Graduate international leader in the field of biomin- pursued a doctorate in immunobiology School, was elected the next president of the eralization — the processes by which ani- from Iowa State University’s College of American College of Sports Medicine, the mals grow skeletons and other functional Veterinary Medicine. Viruses, especially largest organization of its kind in the world. structures. Her work at the interface of emerging and re-emerging animal viruses, W. Lee Daniels, professor of envi- earth and life is also providing insights into have been Meng’s obsession ever since. ronmental soil science in the College of how fossil skeletons record changes in en- Meng’s long list of achievements in- Agriculture and Life Sciences, received vironmental conditions over geologic time. cludes the discovery of two new viruses — the William T. Plass lifetime achievement “Trish has that impeccable genius of the swine hepatitis E virus and the avian award from the American Society of Min- looking at nature in ways that form the hepatitis E virus from chickens — and the ing and Reclamation for his work in the most critical and fundamental questions invention of the first fully licensed com- reclamation and rehabilitation of lands — and then comes the hard part,” said mercial vaccine against a deadly swine dis- damaged by mining, waste disposal, road Nancy L. Ross, professor and head of the ease. Today, Meng’s laboratory in the Cen- building, and other disturbances. Department of Geosciences. “She goes into ter for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Gary Downey, Alumni Distinguished her lab and she re-creates on a nanoscale Diseases is considered one of the world’s Professor of Science and Technology in the chemical processes that give rise to the leading hepatitis E virus research centers. Society, was elected the 20th president beautiful minerals, crystals, and structures of the Society for Social Studies of Sci- we see in nature.” Faculty excellence abounds ence. Downey is recognized internationally Dove and her students are also work- Eric Wiseman, associate professor of urban as a founding leader of a unique interdisci- ing on projects of significant concern to forestry and arboriculture and an Exten- plinary field called engineering studies. society, such as investigating the effects of sion specialist in the College of Natural The Association of Collegiate Schools rising carbon dioxide levels on the survival Resources and Environment, received the of Architecture recognized Donna Dunay, of photosynthetic organisms that create International Society of Arboriculture’s Ear- G.T. Ward Professor of Architecture, with much of Earth’s oxygen. ly Career Scientist Award, which recognizes the 2012-13 Distinguished Professor scientists in the field of urban forestry and Award. The prestigious national honor is BOV recognizes top professors arboriculture who demonstrate exceptional presented to just four professors annually in The Board of Visitors bestows the title of promise and high career potential for pro- recognition of their achievements in teach- University Distinguished Professor on no ducing internationally recognized research. ing, design, scholarship, research, or service. more than 1 percent of faculty members Jeffrey Kirwan, professor emeritus and Leigh McCue-Weil, an associate pro- whose scholarly attainments have attracted forestry Extension specialist, was awarded fessor with the Department of Aerospace national and international recognition. In the Virginia Department of Forestry’s and Ocean Engineering, received the 2012, they honored Patricia Dove (pro- highest civilian honor, the Crown Award, Rosenblatt Young Naval Engineer Award filed above for her statewide award), and which recognizes an individual or entity from the American Society of Naval En- Dr. X.J. Meng, a professor of molecular that has gone beyond the call of duty. gineers. The award honors promising engi- virology and the first person from the Vir- Kirwan, who dedicated many years to re- neers younger than 35. ginia-Maryland Regional College of Veter- searching trees in Virginia as coordinator Andy Norton, associate professor of inary Medicine to hold the title. of the state’s Big Tree Program, is only the mathematics in the College of Science, After earning his medical degree from fourth recipient in the award’s history. received the Association of Mathematics China’s Binzhou Medical College, Meng Janet W. Rankin, professor of human Teacher Educators’ 2013 AMTE Early briefly practiced medicine part-time. After nutrition, foods, and exercise in the Col- Career Award. The association presents the 10 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Virginia Tech is creating and supporting environments for educational and research programs that support inovative, high-quality, and high-impact outcomes. Here, researchers use transmission electron microscopy in their work. award annually to a member who has made significant contributions within the first de- cade of receiving his or her doctoral degree. The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture recognized Marie Zawistowksi and Keith Zawistowski, both professors of practice in the School of Architecture + De- sign, with a 2012-13 Design Build Award for best practices in design-build education. The Zawistowskis received the award based on the excellence of the concepts and ap- proach behind their design/buildLAB for third-year architecture students. Gerald (Jerry) H. Luttrell, the E. Morgan Massey Professor of Mining and Minerals Engineering, was one of 69 new members elected to the National Acade- my of Engineering. Luttrell’s nomination was based on his advancement of separa- tion technologies for the mineral and coal industries, pioneering new technology in the environmentally clean processing of mined materials. Howard Feiertag, hospitality and tourism management instructor in the Pamplin College of Business, was honored with two awards, the Winthrop W. Grice Award for public relations excellence from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Associa- tion International and the Virginia Society of Association Executives Lifetime Career Services Award. David A. Dillard, who holds the Vir- ginia Tech Adhesive and Sealant Science Professorship, received the 2013 Wake Memorial Medal from the Society for Adhesion and Adhesives. The Wake Med- al is awarded triennially to a person who has made outstanding contributions to the field over a substantial period of time. There are only eight previous recipients. 11 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Searching for the next horizon

Y.H. Percival Zhang, associate professor of biological systems engineering, is finding new energy and food sources. 12 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Searching for the next horizon For decades now, Virginia Tech has committed itself to discovery that serves the good of local communities, the commonwealth, and beyond. As the university’s research program has continued to expand ($454 million in fiscal year 2012 with sights set on a $600 million horizon), it has concentrated more and more on practical, translational efforts in areas like medicine, agriculture, natural resources, engineering, and the biological, behavioral, and social sciences. In addition, research will continue to focus on four strategically important discovery areas identified in the new strategic plan: national and local security; the resiliency of systems, organizations, communities, and ecosystems; health and medicine; and sustainability.

Potential breakthroughs the College of Agriculture and Life Scienc- biomass on marginal lands for food and in food, energy es and the College of Engineering. “I pro- biofuel without requiring fertilizers, pesti- When most people think about renewable pose what I am calling the ‘electricity-hy- cides, and massive amounts of water. energy and sustainable food sources, they drogen-carbohydrate cycle’ to jump-start In the fuel project, Zhang’s team liber- imagine solar panels and wind turbines, sustainability efforts around the world.” ates high-purity hydrogen under mild reac- low-impact agriculture and local food- Zhang’s projects have received an tion. To extract the hydrogen, the research- sheds. Y.H. Percival Zhang sees carbohy- enormous amount of attention around the ers manipulate xylose, a sugar that makes up drates — and his vision led to two incredi- world. One paper highlights how he has as much as 30 percent of plant cell walls. ble breakthroughs in one year. been able to extract large amounts of hydro- Enzymes also are critical for Zhang’s Zhang not only found ways to inex- gen from any plant, a breakthrough that has project with starch. His new approach pensively produce hydrogen to power cars, the potential to bring a low-cost, environ- takes cellulose from nonfood plant mate- but he’s also discovered a mechanism to mentally friendly fuel source to the world. rial, such as corn stover (the stem, leaves, turn any plant into a food source. The other paper, which appeared in the and husk of the corn plant remaining after “What we are doing in my lab is rev- Proceedings of the National Academy of ears of corn are harvested), and converts olutionizing the biotechnology paradigm Sciences of the United States of America, about 30 percent to amylose, a component to come up with solutions that could help demonstrates how Zhang has been able to of starch. However, the process works with solve some of the biggest challenges facing create starch from plants not traditionally cellulose from any plant. our planet,” said Zhang, an associate pro- thought of as a food source. This would This bioprocess is easy to scale up for fessor of biological systems engineering in allow farmers to grow a large amount of commercial production. It is environmen- 13 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Searching for the next horizon

Highly creative applied research with commercial advantages has resulted in revenue growth for 13 consecutive years and 866 collaborative funding awards in a single year.

tally friendly because it does not require “But in neutrino physics there may Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical expensive equipment, heat, or chemical be something interesting going on, and Engineering and Sciences, helps people reagents and does not generate any waste. Virginia Tech has been at the forefront of who have a mild traumatic brain injury, His processes have a host of other potential studying this for some time,” he added. such as a concussion, rebalance their de- uses, including biodegradable packaging, “There is evidence of a fourth type of neu- fault mode network, regions in the brain food for livestock, and a battery that runs trino and possibly more.” that seem to be connected to non-taxing on sugar. mental tasks, such as daydreaming. Sci- Now Zhang is focusing on ways to bring Tapping into entists believe this network becomes dis- the discoveries to the market, where they can higher levels of thinking rupted when the brain is injured, causing start to benefit society. “I’d like to improve In the area of health and medicine, the delays in recovery. these technologies and solve the remaining Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute Brooks King-Casas, an assistant pro- technical issues so that we can achieve large- (VTCRI) has become an important part fessor at the institute and in the College scale commercialization,” he said. of the path to the university’s new hori- of Science, studies brain function in the zon. The institute creates a bridge between context of social interaction, examining Neutrino puzzle solved basic science research at Tech and clinical how the brain makes decisions. In a study One of 2012’s top scientific breakthroughs expertise at Carilion Clinic, and it increas- funded by the U.S. Department of Vet- (according to Science Magazine) took es translational research opportunities for erans Affairs, King-Casas is examining place at Virginia Tech. Physicists, as part of both partners in a unique public-private post-traumatic stress disorder and mild a collaboration with U.S. and Chinese re- endeavor that also includes the Virginia traumatic brain injury among returning searchers, found the third and final known Tech Carilion School of Medicine. veterans. “We are interested in how stress- neutrino mixing angle, a discovery that Many of the current research teams at ful experiences affect how people make could have a significant impact on physics the institute are dedicated to the brain: its decisions in both social and nonsocial and the universe as we understand it. influence on all aspects of our bodies and contexts,” he said. Among the scientists at Virginia Tech our behavior, its adaptive capabilities, and, Research in Friedlander’s lab is directed who took part were Leo Piilonen, depart- in certain instances, its potential for train- at revealing the physical changes that occur ment of physics chair; physics professors ing and retraining. at the synaptic connections between individ- Patrick Huber and Jon Link; postdoctoral “All brain disorders combined — in- ual brain cells during learning. The research researcher Deb Mohapatra; Joseph Hor, of cluding stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, trau- compares these processes in normal develop- Hong Kong; Meng Yue, of Qiqihar, China, matic brain injury, depression, addiction, ing brains with those in injured brains. both doctoral students in physics; and lab post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s Sharon Ramey, a distinguished research technician Jo Ellen Morgan. disease, and developmental and intellectu- scholar at the institute and a research And the discovery of the last mixing al disabilities such as autism spectrum dis- professor of psychology in the College of angle isn’t the end of the line for Virginia orders — have a greater economic impact Science, and her colleagues at the VTCRI Tech researchers. In fact, the discovery may on the country and the world than any Neuromotor Research Clinic — which is have opened exciting new doors in physics. other type of disorder, and that includes co-directed by Stephanie DeLuca — are “The standard model of particle physics … cancers and heart disease,” said Michael studying highly intensive forms of therapy works so well that for decades everywhere Friedlander, executive director of the insti- to promote motor function in children we’ve looked we’ve found things to be in tute, which is comprised of more than 20 with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries. agreement with the model,” Link said. “If world-class research teams. Until now, there hasn’t been a way that keeps up, we’ll be done measuring the Stephen LaConte, an assistant pro- to measure a person’s mental health in a known parameters in 15 years. fessor at the institute and at the Virginia computational manner, such as the way 14 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Andrea Dietrich, professor of civil and environmental engineering, helps students push the boundaries in the classroom and the lab. lipids and cholesterol are measured, but design, and permitting for an offshore In announcing the new collaboration, Read Montague, a professor at the insti- wind-turbine demonstration facility. The Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said, “Bioscience tute and in the Department of Physics in Department of Energy will select up to is on the forefront right now, and R&D the College of Science, is changing how three teams out of the seven for an addi- investments have a tremendous economic mental health is physically assessed. “I am tional $47 million each for actual con- impact in total jobs and increased annual a computational neuroscientist,” he said. “I struction and demonstration. state tax revenue. The Virginia Biosciences turn feelings into numbers.” As director of “Virginia expects to be a major player Health Research Corporation is another the Human Neuroimaging Lab, Montague in off-shore wind energy development and great example of a public-private partnership leads a group of social-cognition research- Virginia Tech can contribute very signifi- that will bring companies in the life sciences ers at the institute who study people’s cantly,” said Saifur Rahman, the Joseph R. industry in direct collaboration with leading awareness of social interactions. Loring Professor of Electrical and Com- universities to build on Virginia’s growing Montague also directs the Roanoke puter Engineering and director of ARI. momentum in this booming sector.” Brain Study, a project aimed at under- Offshore wind represents a large, un- Increasingly, leading pharmaceutical, standing decision-making through the life tapped energy resource for the United medical device, and biotechnology firms span and its relationship to brain devel- States — offering more than 4,000 giga- are establishing themselves in Virginia. opment, function, and disease. The study watts of clean, domestic electricity poten- Opportunities exist for co-location and will be the world’s largest lifespan study of tial, four times the nation’s current total cooperative relationships with Virginia’s the brain, drawing in thousands of partic- generation capacity. universities, federal labs, and other re- ipants from the Roanoke area and several search entities, and the new corporation is sites in London. Boosting bioscience designed to promote and foster these part- The Virginia Biosciences Health Research nerships and increase the commonwealth’s Banking on the wind Corp., formed by Virginia Tech, Eastern standing in life sciences nationally. The Virginia Tech Advanced Research Virginia Medical School, George Mason The corporation will be funded with Institute (ARI) is part of a Dominion Vir- University, the University of Virginia, and $5 million for 2013-14 from the com- ginia Power-led team that was one of seven Virginia Commonwealth University, will monwealth’s General Fund. The five selected by the Department of Energy to foster collaborative scientific research innova- founding institutions will each make a receive $4 million in federal matching tion and provide a new program for public/ $50,000 cash contribution in each of the funds to undertake initial engineering, private partnering with Virginia universities. first and second years. 15 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Technology innovation leading the way

Quinton Nottingham, associate professor of business information technology, teaches distance-learning students. 16 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Technology innovation leading the way Advances in technology are dramatically reshaping educational horizons, and not just in the classroom. Skills that students must acquire in order to excel in complex and changing digital and networked environments are expanding rapidly. E-learning courses that leverage technology and teaching-learning processes are now embraced and expected as part of educational experiences.

Increasing Given Tech’s past track record of suc- The collaboration provides the pros- Distance-Learning Efficiencies cess in distance learning and use of tech- pect of exploring new financial and tu- Virginia Tech has long been at the forefront nology within the physical classroom, the ition models that will enhance quality of distance-learning technology as a crucial university is ready to further enhance those and enrollment. The university provides path to the future, starting in the 1970s methods, as called for in “A Plan for a New teaching incentives and funds research when the university distributed videotapes. Horizon,” as well as the “Distance Learn- into new ways to learn with vehicles like The enterprise expanded in the 1980s with ing Strategic Plan.” its Enterprise Fund and the Provost Course satellite and video conferencing, and again As a result, Tech intentionally reor- Development Fund, which in spring 2013 in 1994 with the first online courses. By ganized administrative units to give the supported the development of or signif- 1997, Virginia Tech was offering its first university a better platform to increase icant updates to 14 online courses. As a online graduate degree. quality and growth in this area. Two units result, Tech was selected by the National Since then, advances in technology — the Institute for Distance and Distrib- University Technology Network to receive have changed the landscape of distance uted Learning and the Division of Learning its 2013 Institutional Achievement Award. learning. Currently, all undergraduate Technologies — were combined into one “By funding distance learning research students take at least one online course be- stronger unit, Technology-enhanced Learn- … Virginia Tech not only develops distance fore they graduate. In 2011-12, there were ing and Online Strategies, allowing for in- learning programs, but more importantly, more than 18,000 undergraduate enroll- creased efficiencies. seeks to improve the quality, expand access ments in online courses and almost 6,000 The convergence will better situate the to, and minimize the cost of education,” graduate course enrollments. The universi- university to fulfill distance-learning goals. said the award panel. ty offers 27 graduate degree and certificate In particular, the unit will provide facul- Meanwhile in 2012-13, U.S. News programs entirely online in addition to ty with one destination for assistance in & World Report named the university’s eight blended graduate programs (online developing an online course, pedagogical online master of information technology and interactive videoconferencing). considerations, and financial support. degree program as one of the nation’s best 17 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Technology innovation leading the way

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2009. He also worked at Bell Laboratories, Carnegie Mellon University, and on special assignment as a program di- rector at the National Science Foundation. Midkiff is the author of more than 125 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications. He received Virginia Tech’s XCaliber Award for teaching with tech- nology in 2004 and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the College of Engineering in 2005.

New levels in high-performance computing In 2011, Virginia Tech announced the Wu Feng, associate professor of computer science; Mark Gardener, network information creation of HokieSpeed, a supercomputer technology manager; and Balagi Subramaniam, doctoral student, next to the HokieSpeed supercomputer. Feng and his team are working on transforming supercomputing. so energy efficient that it was the high- est-ranked commodity supercomputer in the U.S. on the Green500, a ranking of distance-learning courses in its second-an- “We recently concluded a nationwide the most energy-efficient supercomputers nual Top Online Education rankings. search involving some of the brightest minds in the world. The program, offered by the College of in the business. Yet, we realized that the best Wu Feng, associate professor of com- Engineering and the Pamplin College of candidate to lead us forward, [someone] puter science, designed and built Hokie- Business, was ranked third in the U.S. The also among the nation’s leading lights, was Speed, with a National Science Founda- program is a partnership among the De- already on our campus,” said Steger. “Pro- tion instrumentation grant for a modest partment of Computer Science, Bradley fessor Midkiff is a recognized authority $1.4 million. Department of Electrical and Computer on wireless networks, mobile systems, and Feng believes he and his team can do Engineering, Department of Accounting pervasive computing. With his extensive ac- even better, and so does the Air Force’s Of- and Information Systems, Department ademic background, he can address univer- fice of Scientific Research (AFOSR), which of Business Information Technology, and sity computing, telecommunications, and awarded him $3.5 million over three years Department of Management. network needs from multiple standpoints ... with the option for a two-year extension at In addition, the College of Engineering as a researcher, faculty member, department another $2.5 million. The award will allow ranked 13th overall in the nation for Best head, and senior administrator.” Feng to pursue a substantial increase in Online Graduate Engineering Programs, “Information technology has never the simulation speed of the computation- according to the 2013 list. It is the only been more important to an organization al fluid dynamics of its micro air vehicles engineering distance-learning program than now, especially a research university,” (MAV), a class of unmanned aerial vehi- ranked in the commonwealth. said Midkiff. “High-performance com- cles, using accelerator-based supercomput- puting is fundamental and essential to the ers like HokieSpeed. University IT gets a new leader research endeavor. In addition, we have al- To achieve this target, Feng said his To direct the university’s overall informa- ready demonstrated the important linkage objective is to herald a new age in multi- tion technology enterprise, including ap- between information technology and the and many-core parallel computing that he plying technology to learning and research, learning-teaching environment.” believes will “transform supercomputing.” President Charles W. Steger announced Midkiff arrived at Virginia Tech in 1986 To accomplish that, he has pulled together that Scott F. Midkiff, professor and head of and has developed and taught undergrad- an internationally recognized team of re- the Bradley Department of Electrical and uate and graduate courses in networking, searchers from Virginia Tech and North Computer Engineering, would become wireless networks and mobile systems, Carolina State University, including aero- Tech’s new vice president for information network applications, and telecommunica- space and mechanical engineers, computer technology and chief information officer. tions. He was appointed head of the Bradley scientists, and mathematicians. 18 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Invasion of the jellyfish

Blacksburg isn’t generally a home to jellyfish, dent in mechanical engineering working un- much less ones the size of a grown man — der Priya. “Biological and engineering results at least not until College of Engineering re- show that larger vehicles have a lower cost of searchers unveiled a 5-foot 7-inch, 170-pound transport, which is a metric used to determine creature as part of a U.S. Navy-funded project. how much energy is spent for traveling.” The prototype robot, nicknamed Cyro, is Because jellyfish consume little energy a larger model of a robotic jellyfish the same due to a lower metabolic rate than other team — headed by Shashank Priya, professor marine species, they are attractive candidates of mechanical engineering — unveiled in to mimic. Additionally, they appear in a wide 2012. The earlier robot, dubbed RoboJelly, is variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing roughly the size of a man’s hand, typical of for several designs. Priya’s team is building the jellyfish found along beaches. jellyfish body models, integrating fluid me- Both robots are part of a multi-universi- chanics and developing control systems. ty, nationwide $5 million project funded by As with the smaller models, Cyro’s skin is the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center and comprised of a thick layer of silicone, squishy in the Office of Naval Research. The goal is to one’s hand. When moving, the skin floats and place self-powered, autonomous machines moves with the robot, looking weirdly alive. in waters for surveillance and monitoring “It has been a great experience to finally the environment, including studying aquatic realize the biomimetic and bio-inspired robot- life, mapping ocean floors, and monitoring ic vehicles,” Priya said. “Nature has too many ocean currents. secrets and we were able to find some of “A larger vehicle will allow for more pay- them but many still remain. We hope to find load, longer duration, and longer range of a mechanism to continue on this journey and operation,” said Alex Villanueva, a doctoral stu- resolve the remaining puzzles.” 19 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Reaching out for a brighter horizon

Austin Larrowe, student founder of Feed by Seed, exemplifies Ut Prosim every day. 20 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Reaching out for a brighter horizon Academics are the primary focus for students at Virginia Tech, but the lessons they learn in classrooms and in extracurricular endeavors can be put to use to pave a path to a better future for others by following the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Food self-sufficiency is, if across the globe, women had the same projects. It introduces faculty, staff, and stu- Austin Larrowe, a junior majoring in applied access to resources in agriculture education dents to volunteerism through flash service economics management and agricultural and extension research as men do — which projects — up to 30 individuals hop on a sciences in the College of Agriculture and is not the case now in many countries — bus to participate in an endeavor in the New Life Sciences, garnered one of 72 presidential global food production could grow by 40 River and Roanoke valleys. For instance, fellowships from the Center for the Study of percent,” Larrowe said. “It doesn’t only participants might find themselves work- the Presidency and Congress to research how make sense from a production standpoint, ing alongside community volunteers at a international agriculture education can be a but from anti-trafficking, food security, regional Feeding America warehouse, where tool to enhance national security. family, and community standpoints as large quantities of donated food are collect- To do that, he married his passions well. Investing in women can cause a very ed and distributed to food banks through- for international affairs and agriculture significant power shift.” out Southwest Virginia. On the way home, through the nonprofit organization he they are encouraged to share in reflective started his freshman year, Feed by Seed. VT Engage — conversations about the experience. The organization has access to 18 acres of leading communities “The concept is that our volunteers are land in a poverty-stricken area of Nicara- Other Virginia Tech students find them- getting something from the community and gua, where volunteers work with two local selves equally motivated to help commu- the community is getting something from schools to teach vital skills to students and nities in need, except their focus is a little our volunteers,” Kirk says. “We’re not com- their families. closer to home, giving to the communities ing in to take over a community project. We “Our vision is to make an economically that give to them. need to work alongside members of the com- and agriculturally self-sufficient community. “We want to get our students really munity so that it’s a win-win for everyone.” … We teach [people] technical skills for ag- thinking about leadership in their commu- Through the generosity of donors, VT ricultural production, so they can eat what nities,” said Gary Kirk, director of VT En- Engage also established a new grant program, they grow or sell it to make money. We also gage: The Community Learning Collabo- the John E. Dooley Student Engagement work with the individuals on leadership de- rative at Tech. “We want them to realize Grant, to fund highly motivated students or velopment, basic economics, and fostering a that they have a role and responsibility in student teams interested in implementing sense of hope for the future,” Larrowe said. whatever community they are in.” community-based civic engagement projects. “Most of the research I’ve found in do- For example, Get on the Bus, launched In its first year, the program, named for for- ing my Presidential Fellows Program paper in fall 2012, is one of dozens of VT Engage mer Vice President of Outreach and Interna- 21 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Reaching out for a brighter horizon

tional Affairs John E. Dooley, awarded $750 of Engineering and also co-president of the es are conducive to windmill research. each to two students. group. “For me, the experience is all about While graduate students assigned to the • Tana Schiewer, a doctoral student in getting away from everyday life to a place center will be drawn initially from Vir- rhetoric and writing in the College you never thought you would go. It extends ginia Tech’s partner institutions in India, of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Ut Prosim beyond our local community.” eventually Blacksburg-based students will proposed a communication workshop have the opportunity to work on the proj- for local organizations, focusing on Reaching across oceans ect, Ghosh said. consistent messaging, social media, In many instances when Virginia Tech takes Higher-education institutions band- and developing community support. steps to expand its international influence, ing together can also help communities • Nina Miller, an agricultural sciences the university also ends up expanding its in other ways. During this past year, the and psychology major, proposed cre- service to others. Such is the case in India. University of Maryland, George Washing- ating the Fieldstone Community gar- Whether India can spring millions of ton University, and Virginia Tech jointly den to provide fresh, safe, and healthy people from poverty rests in part on its announced they would use $3.75 million produce to feed needy families in the capacity to produce enough electricity for in funding from the National Science New River Valley. everyone, and a new Virginia Tech research Foundation (NSF) to tackle an enduring center in the state of Tamil Nadu will mo- challenge: how to translate $60 billion in Learning from helping bilize an engineering team to refine and research funding into new products and For one group of 35 dedicated Tech students, adapt windmills and solar panels for use in companies that benefit society. year 2013 began with hot sun, heavy manual households in rural India. The three universities launched a re- labor, and lots of love during a week-long ser- “The goal is to improve life for 400 gional Innovation Corps (I-Corps) node vice journey to Central America, a trip that million Indians not connected to the with one goal — to find the best entre- changed many of their lives forever. grid,” said Guru Ghosh, vice president for preneurial student and faculty researchers They were part of Students Helping Hon- Outreach and International Affairs. “There and help them bring their discoveries to duras (SHH), an international grass roots are still some refinements to be made. … market. I-Corps takes researchers through organization that builds villages, schools, We’re aiming for the point where the solar a seven-week program emphasizing talking and orphanages in the poverty-stricken na- panels and small windmills can be mass to as many potential customers as possible, tion. The organization hosts nearly 1,000 produced, tested in India’s rural commu- pivoting in response to resulting insights, volunteers from all over the world, and high nities, and then be deployed to create low- building low-cost prototypes, and building schools and universities have created SHH cost, renewable energy worldwide.” a scalable business model. chapters to raise funds and help the organiza- Two years ago Tech announced an “Thirty-five of the top 200 U.S. uni- tion reach its goal of building 1,000 schools agreement with private-sector partner versities in research and development ex- in the country by the year 2020. MARG Swarnabhoomi to establish a Vir- penditures are located within a four-hour On this particular trip, Virginia Tech ginia Tech campus in India. MARG Swarn- drive of this I-Corps partnership,” said students helped break ground on a school abhoomi has committed $1.8 million for John “Jack” Lesko, associate dean for re- in the town of Eben Ezer just outside the laboratory build-out, while Virginia Tech search and graduate studies in the College village of El Progreso. Long days were spent is underwriting staff and operations with of Engineering at Virginia Tech. “Those digging trenches and pouring cement, an initial outlay of $350,000, Ghosh said. universities collectively conducted $14.3 often with American students working The new endeavor will be called the VT, billion in research in 2010. We will attract alongside native Hondurans. India Institute for Critical Technology and train teams from these top regional “We learned from each other,” said and Applied Science Innovation Center. academic institutions, as well as from the Josh Enokida, a junior majoring in materi- It will be inside MARG Swarnabhoomi’s many federal and state research labs unique als science and engineering in the College Amrita Research Park, where ocean breez- to the region.” 22 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Scientific glassblower’s work keeps research moving

When scientists, engineers, and other re- “People will come in and ask for all kinds turns bright white. And a solid bar of quartz, searchers at Virginia Tech need a glass com- of things – many of which don’t exist,” he said. when heated, will distribute light out the ponent for lab work, they have two options. “They’ll bring sketches on pieces of paper or non-heated end like a flashlight. If it exists, they can try to order it. Or, they can we’ll talk about what they’re trying to achieve “This is the basis for fiber-optics,” he said. call Tom Wertalik, the university’s only scien- and usually we can work something out, but “Quartz isn’t used too much in chemistry, tific glassblower. not every idea can be made of glass.” but it’s very popular for electrical engineer- In his Hahn Hall South lab in the Depart- Many items can, however, like a feeding ing purposes.” ment of Chemistry, Wertalik puts nearly three tube for bed-bug research that Wertalik com- “We are the envy of many universities, decades of glassmaking experience to use help- pleted for researchers in the Department of having a master glassblower like Tom here,” ing researchers forge the future with the help of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and said James Tanko, chemistry department chair. one very unscientific, primary tool — a flame. Life Sciences. “They brought a couple older “From the standpoint of the fabrication of sci- “What I do is technically called lamp work- versions of some glassware and we made entific glassware, having Tom here means the ing, or flame working, which is a discipline of some modifications,” Wertalik said. practical limitation is our imagination. If we glassblowing,” Wertalik said. “The kind you see In addition to “regular” scientific glass, can think of it, chances are he can make it.” with the really long pipe, that isn’t what I do.” Wertalik also works with quartz, which doesn’t All that science and knowledge realized Wertalik’s work, in fact, is far more complex. heat to a flaming orange like most glass; it because of one man — and a flame. 23 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Honors

spanned 35 years in the telecommuni- cations industry with Bell-Atlantic (now Verizon), including president and CEO in West Virginia. At Tech, Lowe serves as chairman of the operating board for the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech. He coordinated reconstruction of the en- Pathway blazers tire golf course and the driving range, as well as construction of the Turf Care Cen- Every year the university recognizes alumni or ter, Golf Team Center, and a $5.5 million clubhouse. Virginia Tech’s Class of 2013 friends who have given their time and resources honored Lowe as its class-ring namesake.

to pave a better path for those to come. Tracy D. Wilkins, an emeritus member of Tech’s faculty, received the 2013 University Distinguished Achievement Award, which Michele “Shelley” Duke may not be Ben J. Davenport Jr., of Chatham, Va., recognizes achievements of enduring sig- a Virginia Tech alumna, but she grew to and David E. Lowe, of Blacksburg, received nificance in any field. love the university after taking her horses 2013 Alumni Distinguished Service Awards Wilkins joined Virginia Tech’s De- to the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Med- for their contributions to the university. partment of Anaerobic Microbiology ical Center for care. She received the 2013 Davenport is chairman of First Pied- in 1972, ultimately achieving the dis- William H. Ruffner Medal, the university’s mont Corp., a regional waste-management tinction of J.B. Stroobants Professor of highest honor, for the substantial differ- company, as well as Davenport Energy, a Biotechnology. In his campus leadership ence she has made through her volunteer supplier of petroleum products. He was roles, he was charged with developing service and support. a founding member of the Mid-Atlantic and implementing a strategy for Virginia Duke, who owns and operates Rally- Broadband Corp., which has built a fiber Tech’s original thrust into biotechnology wood Farm in Middleburg, Va., was the network connecting 26 counties and cities. research. As a result, he played a leading first female vice rector on the Virginia After earning his bachelor’s of business role in establishing two of Virginia Tech’s Tech Board of Visitors. Her relationship administration in 1964 from what is now premier life-science facilities: the Fralin with Tech spans more than 20 years. She Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Busi- Biotechnology Center, now the Fralin has been director of the equine center’s ness, Davenport joined the U.S. Coast Life Science Institute, and the Virginia volunteer program and chair of the Guard Reserves, then returned to the Bioinformatics Institute. Equine Medical Center Council. The family business, which was then known as Wilkins made numerous contributions Virginia Tech-related boards or commit- Chatham Oil Company. in the area of infectious disease research, tees on which Duke has served include Davenport’s record of service to the including developing effective methods the Virginia Tech Foundation Board of university community includes member- for the sampling, diagnosis, and timely Directors, the National Campaign Steer- ship on the Virginia Tech Board of Visi- treatment of the leading hospital-acquired ing Committee for the university’s past tors, where he was rector for two years; the microbial infection, commonly called C. fundraising campaign, the Women in Virginia Tech Foundation Board; and the diff. As a research scientist, he holds eight Leadership and Philanthropy Council, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine patents and has started two successful and others. Board of Directors. companies, TechLab and TransPharm. Duke was named an honorary alumna Lowe’s service to the university began Wilkins also conceived of and, through by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association while he was working toward the bache- his company, provided resources for Vir- in 2005 — a distinction fewer than 15 lor’s of business administration degree he ginia Tech’s biotechnology outreach pro- people have received. earned in 1963. He was president of his gram. One highlight of this program is class and regimental commander of the the Biotech in a Box initiative, which pro- Corps of Cadets. vides supplies and equipment for hands- Lowe spent five years in the U.S. Air on experiments to high school students Force after graduation. His business career throughout the commonwealth. 24 Section namePhilanthropy or title Paths to New Horizons

Philanthropy Private philanthropy fuels the university’s forward progress — in scholarship, research, outreach, and more. Each day, programs and initiatives made possible by donors touch the lives of untold thousands on campus, across the region, and around the world. $13,962 $15,310 $16,447 $18,972 $18,216 $15,130 $16,646 $19,619 $19,536 $21,435 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13* Endowment per University Development at Virginia Tech icine more than doubled their amounts Full-time Student excelled again in 2012-13 at raising the raised, while the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educa- resources needed to help usher the univer- tional Conference Center at Smith Moun- sity into the future, garnering more than tain Lake raised nearly 89 percent more. $90 million, the third-highest yearly total The College of Engineering raised in Tech history and the most money ever nearly $9.7 million more than in fiscal raised in a non-campaign year. It was an 18 year 2011-12 — the largest dollar increase percent improvement on fiscal 2011-12. of any unit — and its $25 million total “Year after year, our supporters provide was also the most donated to any college millions of dollars that fuel important pro- or program. Athletics raised nearly $22.9 grams across the university and help thou- million, topping $20 million for the ninth sands of students through scholarships,” said consecutive year. Elizabeth “Betsy” Flanagan, the university’s Annual giving increased by 7.7 percent vice president for development and universi- to nearly $4.91 million, the most ever. ty relations. “Last year’s generosity was partic- Over the course of the fiscal year, more $7,119 $7,765 $8,108 $8,487 $7,975 $8,005 $6,859 $6,709 $6,146 $6,295 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13* ularly noteworthy. I, my colleagues, and our than $15.8 million in estate distributions institution at large are extremely grateful.” were received, the second-most in univer- State Funding per A majority of college or program fund- sity history. Alumni donated nearly $38.2 Full-time In-state Student raising units increased the amount they million, while friends of the university raised compared to the year before, many gave nearly $22.1 million. Corporations NOTE: Figures in the state funding chart for all years will dif- by large margins. Combined, the Virgin- gave $16.6 million; foundations donated fer slightly from numbers in annual reports before 2008-09 because past figures have reflected a method that used fall ia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and more than $5.9 million; current or former registration to calculate the full-time equivalent headcount. Research Institute raised nearly five times faculty and staff, more than $2.7 million; The numbers in this year’s report instead of reflect an an- nualized head count. Figures are not adjusted for inflation. more. The College of Natural Resources parents of current or former students, and Environment and the Virginia-Mary- nearly $2.2 million; and other organiza- Source: Virginia Tech Office of Budget and Financial Planning land Regional College of Veterinary Med- tions gave nearly $2.3 million. * Fiscal years 25 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Dr. Steger’s Highlights

Highlights of Charles W. Steger’s years at Tech

1970 Earned bachelor of architecture

1971 Earned master of architecture, urban design

1971-74 Worked at Wiley & Wilson Inc., Lynchburg, Va., eventually becoming manager of the urban planning department

1973-76 Named visiting lecturer, then instructor, then assistant professor at Virginia Tech

1976-81 Named chairman, graduate program, urban design

1978 Earned Ph.D., environmental sciences and engineering

1980 The Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center is established

1981 Named interim dean of the College of Architecture & Urban Studies (CAUS) Promoted to associate professor Appointed dean of CAUS. At 33, he’s the youngest dean of a school of architecture in the U.S. Served in that position until 1993

1990 Named a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects Became acting vice president for public service, serving concurrently as CAUS dean

1991 Under his leadership, the university establishes the Center for European Studies and Architecture (CESA)

1993 Promoted to full professor of architecture Appointed vice president for development and university relations

1998 Finished directing the successful Making A World of Difference fundraising campaign

2000 Inaugurated as president

2003 The Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences is formed System X, at the time the most powerful supercomputer in academia, is launched

2004 University opened the building for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Va., which was founded in 2000 University joined the Atlantic Coast Conference

2005 Worked with colleagues to achieve the General Assembly’s passage of the Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administra- tive Operations Act of 2005, providing greater autonomy to universities University adopted the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. The principles reflect the university’s “ongoing efforts to increase access and inclusion and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members.”

2006 University established the Steger Poetry Prize. The purse ranks among the most generous for undergraduate poetry competitions in the nation.

2007 Led the university during the difficult days following the April 16 tragedy

2009 University adopted the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment and the accompanying Sustainability Plan

2010 The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va., welcomed its first class of students, as the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is established

2011 University opened the Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington On Nov. 12, Steger announced that The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future raised $1.11 billion between 2003 and 2011

2012 Infrastructure and the first building in Phase II of the Corporate Research Center’s expansion is completed

2013 Announced his intention to step down as the university’s 15th president Virginia Supreme Court entered final judgment in favor of the commonwealth in two civil lawsuits arising from the 2007 tragedy Center for the Arts opened its doors

26 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

Sycamore to continue providing memories

Thanks to the efforts of forestry professors, and Environment. The only other cutting that Virginia Tech has preserved a well-known survived was planted outside Cheatham Hall. piece of its past by using modern scientific “Over time this identical twin will look just techniques. The stately sycamore that graced like its mother tree, which succumbed to what Henderson Lawn from about 1870 until 2010 became a poor growing environment, root has returned — this time by way of its proge- damage from underground utility work in the ny with the same DNA. 1980s, fungal disease, and old age,” said Eric On April 22, 2013, President Charles W. Wiseman, associate professor of urban forestry Steger presided over a town-gown tree-plant- and arboriculture. ing. The 10-foot tree they planted, in a spot The tree presides over the new College near where the original sycamore once stood, Avenue area, which has been converted to be was rooted from a cutting taken from the dy- a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, where ing historic tree shortly before it was removed no doubt new memories will be made. nearly three years earlier. “Trees hold enormous emotional attach- The sycamore clone is one of only two that ments for people of all ages,” said Paul Winis- survived from 300 small cuttings taken from torfer, dean of the College of Natural Resourc- the mother tree. “Unfortunately, we just were es and Environment. “This event marks a sig- not very good at getting the cuttings to root,” nificant occasion to perpetuate the memory explained John Seiler, Alumni Distinguished of a tree that was very special to many people Professor in the College of Natural Resources over the ages.” 27 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Timeline

Timeline JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER University to help Turner Place ups the University is recognized cultivate science students ante on campus dining for support of military Virginia Tech and the Virginia Science The new Turner Place dining center at La- Virginia Tech is named to the 2013 Mil- Technology Engineering and Applied very Hall opens, adding to the university’s itary Friendly Schools list, compiled by Mathematics (STEAM) Academy form reputation as one of the best college dining Victory Media, a group that focuses on a strategic partnership to attract more programs in the U.S. Diners will also be transitioning military personnel into ci- students to STEAM-related disciplines able to have a Japanese steakhouse-style vilian life. Schools were ranked in nine early in their school careers. The Virginia lunch or dinner, order from a full-service categories, including military support on STEAM Academy will be a public, res- sushi counter, snack on fresh crêpes and campus, academic credibility, and veteran idential school for approximately 1,000 gelato made on site, or sit down to meats graduation rates. students in grades nine through 12. and vegetables cooked on a grill fueled en- tirely by wood. Alumni recommend Tech Upward Bound In a new college ranking system put out draws continued funding First-ever quadruplets settle in by The Alumni Factor, which rates insti- The Upward Bound program is awarded a The first quadruplets ever to attend the tutions based on graduate success, Virginia five-year, $1.85 million grant by the U.S. university arrive for move-in day. The three Tech was eighth among national universi- Department of Education’s Office of Post- brothers and one sister, of Richmond, Va., ties and 24th among all colleges in alumni secondary Education, TRIO Programs. each will pursue very different academic loyalty, financial success, and various sat- The first-year allocation of the grant — and career paths. Greg Lomaka will major isfaction measures. Tech was first in the $462,993 — will be supplemented by an in statistics, Steve Lomaka will major in number of alumni who said they would in-kind contribution from Tech. information systems, Chris Lomaka will choose the school again. major in building construction, and Kate Governor’s award goes to Mouras Lomaka, will major in human nutrition, Hokie offerings in Tech’s director of transportation and foods, and exercise. Tidewater increase campus services, Steve Mouras, wins the The university expands its presence in the Governor’s Award for Innovation. Mouras Vet Med opens eastern part of the state by opening a new is credited with increasing efficiency and much-needed addition facility in Newport News. The center — productivity in Tech’s parking, fleet, and The Virginia-Maryland Regional College called the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads alternative transportation services as well of Veterinary Medicine opens its $14.1 Center, Newport News — is a joint effort as in the print shop, centralized mailing, million, 30,000-square-foot Veterinary with the University of Virginia. It mirrors and records management. Medicine Instruction Addition. It includes the universities’ partnership in Richmond, a clinical techniques laboratory for second- where office, classroom, and operations Board of Visitors and third-year veterinary students as well spaces are shared. gains new members as new faculty offices, student seminar Dr. Nancy V. Dye, of Roanoke; William space, and small conference areas. The col- Propulsion lab gets the go-ahead Day Fairchild III, of Gainesville; B. Keith lege also welcomes its largest entering class The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors ap- Fulton, of Glen Allen; and Dennis H. Trea- ever of 126 students. proves development of a $3.5 million pro- cy, of Hanover, are appointed by Virginia pulsion laboratory in Phase 2 of the Cor- Gov. Bob McDonnell to join the Virginia porate Research Center. The 8,100-square- Tech Board of Visitors. foot facility, operated by the College of Engineering, will support propulsion research, including next-generation fighter and commercial aircraft engine technology.

28 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

OCTOBER gram is spearheaded by Class of 1964 alum- residential and academic space. The plans University provides greater ni, and the gold is melted at the university’s include the construction of 6,200 square confidence of online security Kroehling Advanced Materials Foundry. feet of new space and the renovation of Virginia Tech becomes the first university 5,200 square feet of existing space. in the country to qualify for Internet2’s NOVEMBER InCommon Bronze and Silver Identity Tech hosts its own TEDx event Cusimano takes Assurance program, which provides greater Faculty, students, and alumni present ideas over treasurer duties assurance to federal agencies, universities, for inventing the future at the university’s John Cusimano, associate treasurer at nonprofit organizations, and private com- first TEDxVirginiaTech event. Twenty-one Virginia Tech, is named university treasur- panies of the identity of those seeking access speakers, each a thought-leader in his or er. Cusimano succeeds Ray Smoot, who to financial and other sensitive information. her own right, share ideas, insights, and retired in July after serving as university inspiration centered on the theme “know- treasurer and chief executive officer of the University Libraries helps ing.” The speakers come from more than Virginia Tech Foundation. preserve published records 200 people nominated to present. University Libraries joins the HathiTrust, Lavery Hall is a partnership of major academic and re- Exemplary departments officially dedicated search libraries collaborating to build a win recognition The university dedicates Lavery Hall, digital library initiative. As members, Tech The College of Liberal Arts and Human named in honor of former Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff will have access Sciences sweeps the 2012 University president William E. Lavery, who died to more than 3 million public domain Exemplary Department or Program in 2009. During Lavery’s tenure from books. Special access is available for users Awards. Two programs within the School 1975 to 1987, two of the university’s who are blind or visually impaired. of Education are chosen — the Arts and signature facilities were developed: the Humanities Programs and the Higher Ed- Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Former commandant Musser dies ucation Program — and the Department Veterinary Medicine and the Virginia Tech U.S. Air Force retired Maj. Gen. Stanton of English is selected for the second year Corporate Research Center. R. Musser, who served as commandant of in a row. the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC) DECEMBER from 1989 to 1999, died. Musser served Tech helps make Blacksburg Research ranking rises two tours in Vietnam, flying a total of 263 a good place for families The university’s $450 million in research combat missions. He was also assigned For the second year in a row, Blacksburg is expenditures for fiscal year 2011 moves it to the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstra- named the most family-friendly communi- up three places to No. 41 in the nation, tion Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Upon ty in the country, which strengthens Tech’s according to the National Science Foun- retiring from the Air Force, Musser took ability to attract and retain high-caliber dation. Tech remains the top research uni- over VTCC, retiring as what was then the faculty and staff. The recognition by www. versity in Virginia and the only Virginia longest-serving commandant in the uni- homes.com cites the presence of Virginia institution in the top 50. versity’s history. Under his leadership, the Tech and numerous economic opportuni- corps, which was near extinction, experi- ties as reasons for the top designation. Autism center gets underway enced its first period of sustained growth The Virginia Tech Center for Autism in several decades. Swiss villa gets Research is established in the College of facelift, expansion Science with Angela Scarpa, an associate Class rings get an extended life Villa Maderni, which houses the university’s professor of psychology, as its first director. For the first time ever, Virginia Tech class Center for European Studies and Architec- Scarpa says there are about 10 centers of rings in the 2014 series contain recycled gold ture in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, under- excellence for autism research in the coun- from earlier class rings that were donated by goes a construction and renovation project try, and “we believe we can take a place Tech alumni. The “Hokie Gold” legacy pro- to improve the facilities and expand the among them.” 29 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report Timeline

JANUARY Business college will be placed on the National Registry Got milk? Hokie cows do gets a new leader of Historic Sites and steps will be taken Virginia Tech Dining Services partners The university announces that Robert T. to preserve it for decades to come. At the with the Department of Dairy Science Sumichrast, dean of the Terry College of completion of the phased construction, to offer “Virginia Tech Milk” in D2 at Business at the University of Georgia, will Thomas and Monteith halls will be razed Dietrick Hall. Students harvest the milk take over as dean of the Pamplin College of with no current plans for replacement. on campus from the herd of dairy cows at Business on July 1, 2013, succeeding Rich- Virginia Tech’s Dairy Center and it is then ard E. Sorensen, who will retire after 31 Practice fields are pasteurized at the James River Department years on the job. Sumichrast began his fac- named for supporter of Agribusiness. Dining centers have been ulty career at Tech in 1984, where he taught The Virginia Tech football practice fields using meats purchased from the College of for almost 20 years, including four years as located between Lane Stadium and Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Meat Sci- Pamplin’s associate dean for graduate and Cassell Coliseum are renamed the Steve ence Center for more than two years, and international programs. He left in 2003 to Johnson Practice Fields in recognition of the university’s Kentland Farm provides become dean of the E.J. Ourso College of the accomplishments and philanthropy of local produce. Business at Louisiana State University. alumnus Steve Johnson, of Bristol, Va. A standout tight end for the Hokies in the Schurig announces retirement FEBRUARY mid- and late 1980s, Johnson played for Dr. Gerhardt G. Schurig, dean of the Vir- North End Center tenants move in the Dallas Cowboys and New England Pa- ginia-Maryland Regional College of Veter- Nine Virginia Tech administrative depart- triots, and he currently serves as president inary Medicine since 2004, announces he ments relocate to the new North End Cen- and owner of Bristol, Va.-based Johnson will step down from his position during ter. Located adjacent to campus between Commercial Development. the summer of 2013. Schurig first joined Turner Street and North Main Street, the veterinary college faculty in 1978. A the facility increases efficiencies through ICTAS building professor and veterinary immunologist, space and funding consolidations and by gains new moniker he is one of the world’s leading experts on providing better services for students, staff, Virginia Tech renames the headquarters brucellosis. Before serving as dean, he was faculty, and university customers. building of its Institute for Critical Technol- the college’s associate dean for research and ogy and Applied Science in honor of Hugh graduate studies, director of the Institute Former commandant Acuff dies and Ethel Kelly in recognition of his pio- for Biomedical and Public Health Sciences, Earl C. Acuff, commandant of the Virginia neering work in telecommunications and and a senior researcher and former director Tech Corps of Cadets from 1973 to 1980, her extraordinary philanthropic support. of the Center for Molecular Medicine and dies. He was 94. In 1969, Acuff served as Hugh Kelly, who died in 1989, worked at Infectious Diseases. deputy post commander at the U.S. Army AT&T’s Bell Laboratories, and played im- Infantry School in Ft. Benning, Ga., and portant roles in groundbreaking projects. University maintains in 1970 he was asked to teach military Ethel Kelly, who died in 2012, generously best values rankings science at Tech. In 1974, he was promoted supported the College of Engineering as a Virginia Tech once again earns a place on to brigadier general and became comman- way of honoring her husband’s legacy. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance list of the 100 dant of the corps. best values in public education. The rank- Tech athlete wins ing cites four-year colleges and universities MARCH third national title that combine outstanding education with Upper Quad Alexander Ziegler, a senior business ad- economic value. Since the ranking began changes in the works ministration major from Germany who in 2006, Kiplinger’s has included Virgin- Recognizing the continuing growth of the already holds back-to-back NCAA titles ia Tech each year. In February, Tech also Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the Virgin- in the hammer throw, captures yet another makes it into similar rankings released by ia Tech Board of Visitors begins planning national championship, this time in the the Princeton Review. for an Upper Quad overhaul that will weight throw. include replacing Brodie and Rasche halls and erecting the new Corps Leadership and Military Science Building. Lane Hall 30 Section name or title Paths to New Horizons

APRIL sion worldwide. Party Positive emphasizes ward their general education requirements, Doctoral student takes knowledge, planning, accountability, prac- including 12 credit hours in the area of engineering abilities to TV ticality, and moderation. discourse, nine credit hours in quantitative A mechanical engineering doctoral student and computational thinking, and 12 credit appears on the Discovery Channel reality Ghosh takes over outreach and hours in integrated studies. television competition show “Big Brain international affairs post Theory: Pure Genius,” which focuses on Guru Ghosh, Virginia Tech’s associate vice JUNE using logic and design to crack different president for international affairs since Tech helps veterans find work engineering-related problems. Amy Elliott, 2011, becomes its new vice president for Virginia Tech becomes certified by the Vir- of Fayetteville, Tenn., finishes second out outreach and international affairs, replacing ginia Values Veterans program, a Virginia 10 contestants on the eight-week show. John E. Dooley, who became chief execu- Department of Veterans Services program tive officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation. designed to help companies hire and retain Conservation leadership Ghosh has nearly 20 years of experience military veterans. As the number of veterans earns recognition in higher education administration across returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan The Office of Energy and Sustainability is units with various responsibilities, and he and to the workforce has increased in recent honored with a 2013 Gold Governor’s En- takes over a unit that will play a critical role years, Tech has expanded its efforts to help vironmental Excellence Award, recognizing in the university’s emphasis on global inter- veterans find employment at the university. environmental and conservation leadership dependence as part of its strategic plan. in two categories: sustainability and land Translational medicine conservation. This is the fourth such award MAY program gains BOV approval in the past six years for the university. Steger announces retirement; The Board of Visitors approves creation search committee forms of a new doctorate in translational biolo- University names Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger gy, medicine, and health, the first major performance hall for two couples announces his intention to step down as life science program emanating from the The Center for the Arts’ performing hall university president. In response, Board university’s new strategic plan. The inter- will be known as the Street and Davis of Visitors Rector Mike Quillen appoints disciplinary program will emphasize the Performance Hall in honor of two couples a search committee to assist in finding the concept of translational medicine — the — Nicholas and Fay Street of Bristol, Va., university’s 16th president. Steger, who has transformation of scientific discoveries into and William C. “Jack” and Sandra Davis been president for 14 years, will remain diagnostics, therapeutics, and health-pro- of Blacksburg, Va. — in recognition of until the search concludes and his replace- moting behaviors and policies. their philanthropic support of the center’s ment begins work. (See other sections of construction. The Davises served on the this report for more on Steger’s accom- Med school draws national National Campaign Steering Committee plishments at Tech.) conference to Roanoke for the university’s past fundraising cam- The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Med- paign. Jack Davis is executive director of New general education icine and Research Institute, in collabora- the university’s Virginia Center for Civil curriculum gets first look tion with the Jefferson College of Health War Studies. The Streets also served on the A draft of a plan to revise the university’s Sciences, wins a bid to host the fifth Col- campaign’s National Campaign Steering general education curriculum for under- laborating Across Borders (CAB V) con- Committee, and have served on many oth- graduate students is made available for ference in Roanoke in September 2015. er boards and committees. the community to review and provide The event is the premier North American feedback. Following calls for change to the conference on educating and implement- University’s efforts to reduce current Curriculum for Liberal Education, ing effective health-care teams. CAB V is drinking earn recognition the “Proposal for an Integrated General expected to draw 1,200 participants for the Virginia Tech’s Party Positive campaign Education Curriculum at Virginia Tech” three-day event. aimed at reducing high-risk drinking wins emerges from a series of discussions held top honors from the National Association by faculty, students, and staff over the past of Student Personnel Administrators, a lead three years. The proposal recommends that organization for the student affairs profes- students take at least 33 credit hours to- 31 VIRGINIA TECH | 2012-13 Annual Report University Highlights University Highlights 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Student Admissions Total Applications Received (Includes Transfers) Undergraduate 23,351 23,781 22,942 23,736 23,101 Graduate 8,457 9,397 9,190 9,465 9,544 Offers as a Percentage of Applications Undergraduate (freshmen only) 64.0 65.3 65.1 64.8 69.0 Graduate 37.3 34.1 33.4 33.3 31.2 New Enrollment as a Percentage of Offers Undergraduate (freshmen only) 43.1 38.5 41.6 40.1 40.7 Graduate 62.9 63.6 60.9 61.1 62.5 Total Student Enrollment Enrollment by Classification (head count) Undergraduate 23,567 23,558 23,690 23,700 23,859 Graduate and first professional 7,172 7,312 7,316 7,236 7,228 Enrollment by Campus Blacksburg campus 28,259 28,432 28,687 28,650 28,836 Northern Virginia Center 1,107 1,077 1,078 1,040 1,018 Other off-campus locations 1,373 1,361 1,241 1,246 1,233 Enrollment by Residence Virginia 21,337 21,557 21,475 21,371 21,478 Other states 7,168 7,047 7,198 7,198 6,975 Other countries 2,234 2,266 2,333 2,367 2,634 Degrees Conferred Undergraduate 5,308 5,523 5,705 5,825 5,604 Graduate and first professional 1,940 2,038 2,045 2,163 2,041 Faculty and Staff Full-time instructional faculty 1,369 1,364 1,306 1,368 1,422 Other faculty and research associates 1,761 1,913 1,826 1,954 2,083 Part-time, temporary faculty (P14 faculty) 229 224 273 264 249 Support staff 3,816 3,603 3,461 3,449 3,509 Total faculty and support staff 7,175 7,104 6,866 7,035 7,263 Percent of instructional faculty tenured 61.9 62.8 61.9 61.7 61.1 University Financial Highlights For the years ending June 30, 2008—12 (all dollars are in millions; square feet in thousands) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Revenues, Expenses, and Operating revenues $ 684.5 $ 715.1 $ 780.7 $ 832.4 $ 900.0 Changes in Net Assets (1) Operating expenses 970.1 967.3 1,025.5 1,076.3 1,155.5 Operating loss (2) $ (285.6) $ (252.2) $ (244.8) $ (243.9) $ (255.5) Non-operating revenues and expenses (2) 299.0 291.8 324.2 279.3 296.0 Other revenues, expenses, gains or losses 46.1 90.1 48.8 76.6 105.8 Net increase (decrease) in net assets $ 59.5 $ 129.7 $ 128.2 $ 112.0 $ 146.3

University Net Assets (1) Invested in capital assets, net of related debt $ 669.7 $ 734.9 $ 794.6 $ 867.3 $ 994.3 Restricted $ 113.1 $ 135.3 $ 137.0 $ 156.0 $ 158.2 Unrestricted $ 136.2 $ 178.5 $ 245.3 $ 265.6 $ 282.6

Assets and Facilities Total university assets (1) $ 1,429.5 $ 1,654.0 $ 1,844.3 $ 2,046.0 $ 2,211.1 Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation (1) $ 972.2 $ 1,095.5 $ 1,196.6 $ 1,339.5 $ 1,519.0 Facilities-owned gross square feet 8,946 9,011 9,166 9,276 10,078 Facilities-leased square feet 858 863 913 871 1,183

Sponsored Programs Number of awards received 2,384 2,516 2,400 2,589 2,272 Value of awards received $ 232.3 $ 312.4 $ 274.0 $ 294.1 $ 271.1 Research expenditures reported to NSF (3) $ 396.7 $ 398.2 $ 450.1 $ 454.4 N/A

Virginia Tech Foundation Gifts and bequests received $ 65.1 $ 86.9 $ 98.5 $ 67.9 $ 77.0 Expended in support of the university $ 124.8 $ 126.5 $ 124.4 $ 135.5 $ 146.0 Total assets and managed funds $ 942.1 $ 1,023.6 $ 1,155.1 $ 1,210.7 $ 1,302.7

Endowments Owned by Virginia Tech Foundation (VTF) $ 410.7 $ 452.7 $ 541.0 $ 536.7 $ 594.1 (At Market Value) Owned by Virginia Tech 35.6 44.4 52.7 51.6 59.6 Managed by VTF under agency agreements 5.8 6.0 7.0 6.5 7.0 Total endowments supporting the university $ 452.1 $ 503.1 $ 600.7 $ 594.8 $ 660.7

Student Financial Aid (4) Number of students receiving selected types of financial aid Loans 12,085 12,896 13,133 13,081 12,506 Grants, scholarships, and waivers (5) 18,406 27,134 27,469 19,535 19,762 Employment opportunities 8,734 8,514 9,007 9,331 9,935

Total amounts by major category Loans $ 128.0 $ 139.9 $ 147.0 $ 157.2 $ 154.5 Grants, scholarships, and waivers 134.2 155.7 174.2 185.4 192.0 Employment opportunities 62.0 63.4 69.5 71.2 76.7 Total financial aid $ 324.2 $ 359.0 $ 390.7 $ 413.8 $ 423.2

(1) The university adopted the new Governmental Accounting Standard Board (GASB) reporting model in fiscal year 2002 as required by GASB Statement Number 35, Basic Financial Statement — and Management’s Discussion and Analysis — for Public Colleges and Universities. (2) The university will always be expected to show an operating loss since significant recurring revenues are shown as non-operating. Major revenue sources reported as non-operating include state appropriations, gifts, and investment income. These revenue sources are used for general operations in support of the learning, discovery, and engagement missions of the university. (3) Total research expenditures reported to the National Science Foundation were not available at publication date. (4) Amounts for fiscal years 2008 and 2009 reflect any applicable restatements (5) Grants, scholarships, and waivers for FY2010 and FY2011 include undergraduate Virginia residents who received ARRA tuition mitigation grants.

32 Virginia Tech Board of Visitors Michael Quillen, Rector William B. Holtzman George Nolen, Vice Rector John C. Lee IV Michele L. Duke Suzanne S. Obenshain Nancy V. Dye Deborah Petrine William D. Fairchild III John G. Rocovich Jr. Cordel L. Faulk Dennis H. Treacy B. Keith Fulton Paul W. Rogers

Sarah Karpanty Faculty Representative Sue Teel Staff Representative Nicholas Onopa Undergraduate Student Representative Robyn Jones Graduate Student Representative Kim O’Rourke Secretary to the Board

Senior Administrative Personnel Charles W. Steger President Mark G. McNamee Senior Vice President and Provost

Sherwood G. Wilson Vice President for Administration Thomas C. Tillar Vice President for Alumni Relations Elizabeth A. Flanagan Vice President for Development and University Relations William T. Lewis Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion M. Dwight Shelton Jr. Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Karen P. DePauw Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Scott F. Midkiff Vice President for Information Technology James R. Bohland Interim Vice President and Executive Director, National Capital Region Guru Ghosh Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs Robert Walters Vice President for Research Patricia A. Perillo Vice President for Student Affairs

Virginia Tech Foundation John E. Dooley Chief Executive Officer

Deans Alan Grant College of Agriculture and Life Sciences A. Jack Davis College of Architecture and Urban Studies Richard Benson College of Engineering Sue Ott Rowlands College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Paul Winistorfer College of Natural Resources and Environment Richard E. Sorensen Pamplin College of Business Lay Nam Chang College of Science Gerhardt Schurig Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Tyler Walters University Libraries

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