Full Breakdown
Richard Linton Named 17th President of Virginia Tech
By Drooid · · How we work
Appointment Overview
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has appointed Dr. Richard Linton as the university’s 17th president. He will succeed Dr. Tim Sands, who will remain in office until Linton assumes the role at the beginning of the 2027 spring semester. Linton currently serves as president of Kansas State University.
Background & Context
Dr. Linton is a lifelong “triple-Hokie,” having earned a B.S. in biology (1988), an M.S. in food science (1991), and a Ph.D. in food science (1994) from Virginia Tech. His career has been rooted in the land-grant system: after serving as dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University (2012-2022), he became Kansas State’s 15th president in February 2022. At Kansas State, he oversaw a strategic plan that produced consecutive enrollment growth, attracted nearly $1.2 billion in philanthropic gifts, and secured more than $468 million in state and federal support.
Timeline
- Board vote: The Board of Visitors approved Linton’s appointment in October 2026.
- Transition period: Linton will complete the fall semester at Kansas State before moving to Blacksburg.
- Assumption of duties: He will begin his Virginia Tech presidency at the start of the 2027 spring semester.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
In his farewell letter to Kansas State, Linton emphasized the collaborative nature of his achievements and expressed gratitude for the university community. Dr. Tim Sands, outgoing president, thanked the Board and expressed confidence that Linton will secure continued state support for Virginia Tech’s mission.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Virginia Tech is poised to make a generational leap as a public research university, and Richard Linton is the right leader to guide us forward,” — Jim Miller, rector of the Board of Visitors
- “My 40-year journey in the land-grant system began at Virginia Tech,” — Richard Linton, serve as president
- “Having earned all three of my degrees from Virginia Tech, this opportunity brings my professional journey full circle,” — Richard Linton, serve as president
- “Serving as president of Kansas State University has been one of the greatest honors and joys of my professional life,” — Richard Linton, serve as president
- “These achievements are not by chance,” — Richard Linton, serve as president
- “They are the result of a shared vision, a clear strategic plan and the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners across Kansas and beyond. Together, we accomplished a lot and laid a strong foundation for K-State’s continued success.” — Richard Linton, serve as president
What’s Next
Linton will work with the Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas State leadership to ensure a smooth transition before relocating to Blacksburg. Upon arrival, he will focus on expanding Virginia Tech’s research impact, strengthening its land-grant mission, and advancing student success across the Commonwealth.
