Richard Linton, a triple-Hokie, will be the new president at Virginia Tech, succeeding Tim Sands, who is staying on until Linton assumes the job at the beginning of the 2027 spring semester.
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors voted on Wednesday appoint Linton, who is currently the president at Kansas State, to the position.
“My 40-year journey in the land-grant system began at Virginia Tech,” said Linton, Linton earned his bachelor’s degree in biology (1988), master’s degree in food science (1991), and Ph.D. in food science (1994) at Virginia Tech.
“Having earned three degrees here, the opportunity to return home and serve as president of my alma mater is a true honor,” Linton said. “I look forward to reconnecting with the Hokie community and working together to build on Virginia Tech’s proud land-grant legacy, embrace new opportunities, and expand our impact across the commonwealth and beyond.”
Linton was named president at K-State in 2022, leading the creation and implementation of a strategic plan that increased undergraduate and graduate student enrollment to more than 21,000, brought in nearly $1.2 billion in philanthropic gifts, and led to more than $468 million in state and federal support.
All three of those are the keys for any college or university president – more students means money, more philanthropic gifts and more state and federal support, obviously, more money.
“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,” said Jim Miller, rector of the Board of Visitors, an appointee of Glenn Youngkin in 2024. “As a Hokie, Richard has a deep appreciation for what makes this university and its community so special. His extensive leadership experience, a career dedicated to land-grant institutions, and a strong commitment to fostering a culture of service uniquely position him to lead Virginia Tech into its next chapter. We look forward to welcoming Richard and his wife, Sally, home to Blacksburg.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement congratulating Linton on his appointment.
Congratulations to Dr. Richard Linton on being selected to serve as the 17th President of Virginia Tech. Dr. Linton’s distinguished career in food science — driving agricultural innovation and combating food insecurity — and extensive experience in academic leadership reflect Virginia Tech’s longstanding commitment to cutting-edge research, service, and real-world impact.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to outgoing President Tim Sands for his unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to serving students, faculty, and the broader Blacksburg community. His years of service have left a lasting, positive mark on the university and the Commonwealth as a whole.
I look forward to working with Dr. Linton to make sure Virginia Tech receives the support it needs from the state as we focus on preparing students from across the Commonwealth for lifelong success. As a three-time Hokie — having earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Blacksburg — Dr. Linton brings a deep understanding of the institution he will now lead. Guided by the university’s enduring motto, ‘Ut Prosim,’ Virginia Tech continues to be a pillar of excellence in higher education, and I am confident that Dr. Linton’s leadership will help propel the university to even greater heights.
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, welcome back to Blacksburg, Dr. Linton. I wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter in Virginia Tech’s history.”
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Chris Graham
