Virginia Tech® home

CALS Family Newsletter | 08.28.2026

CALS Family Newsletter Banner

Welcome CALS Families! 🧡

Each month, we’ll keep you connected to what’s happening across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including academic updates, upcoming events, important university deadlines, student activites, and more. It’s your monthly source for staying informed, engaged, and connected with the CALS community.

Family Weekend Image

New Student Event

We were so excited to host our first-ever New Cadet Breakroom and spend time with some of our incredible CALS cadets! 🧡 After days of hard work and training, this was a chance for them to recharge, enjoy some refreshments, connect with fellow cadets, call their loved ones, and take a well-deserved break.

We wanted to express how proud we are of our CALS cadets and what they have accomplished already. We’re cheering them on as they begin the semester ahead, filled with growth, success, and plenty of moments to make Virginia Tech feel like home.


Meet the CALS Academic Programs Team

Susan Sumner

Susan Sumner

Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs

(540) 231-6503
calsap@vt.edu

Chevon Thorpe

Chevon Thorpe

Assistant Dean for Student Success

(540) 232-8702
dunnings@vt.edu

Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor

Administrative Assistant and Curriculum Coordinator

(540) 231-6939
ataylor@vt.edu

Jennifer Carr

Jennifer Carr

Lead CALS Advisor

(540) 231-8127
jjc@vt.edu

Cindy Beatty

Cindy Beatty

Director CALS Scholarship

(540) 231-9671
beatty@vt.edu

Michelle Kovac

Michelle Kovac

Agricultural Technology and Exploring Life Sciences Academic Advisor

(540) 231-7649
mkovac@vt.edu

Mark Sumner

Mark Sumner

Learning Design and Technology Analyst

(540) 231-2446
sumnerm@vt.edu

Christeana Williams

Christeana Williams

Communications and Experiential Learning Specialist

christeanaw@vt.edu

Pete Ziegler

Pete Ziegler

Research Assistant Professor

(540) 231-9662
pziegler@vt.edu

Molly Wilson

Molly Wilson

Director of Enrollment Management

(540) 231-6503
mollywilson@vt.edu

Jennifer Jones

Jennifer Jones

Assistant Director-online master’s program

(540) 231-1104
omals@vt.edu


Fall Family Weekend

Fall Family Weekend is set for October 2-4, 2026, and is a special time for you to reconnect with your student and be in community with other proud Hokie Families at Virginia Tech. 🧡✨🦃 Find the Fall Family Weekend schedule of events in the Hokie Families Guide in the Hokies on Track app. The Hokie Families Guide also has "Plan Your Visit" information about parking, transit, dining, limited area lodging, event descriptions, info sessions, and area attractions.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAMILY WEEKEND TAILGATE & FOOTBALL GAME:

TAILGATE:

  • The Fall Family Weekend Tailgate is SOLD OUT. There are many other tailgate options available on game-days like going to local Blacksburg restaurants, attending the Hokie Village Tailgate, or exploring other tailgating options.

FOOTBALL GAME:

  • Please note that registering for Fall Family Weekend or the Fall Family Weekend Tailgate does NOT include entry into the home football game.
  • The Virginia Tech vs. Pitt football game is SOLD OUT.

 More events and details will continue to be added to the schedule as they are finalized.  If you have any questions, please contact New Student and Family Programs at at 540-231-3284 or families@vt.edu. If you haven't already, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram!


Virginia Tech Resources

Hokie Bird with hands together

Office of Financial Aid
Current Virginia Tech students recieved financial aid offers for the 2024-2025 academic year on June 21st...

Lavery Hall

Office of Services for Students with
Disabilities

(SSD) strives to remove disability related barriers for students in the learning...

Group of students with VT t-shirts

Schiffert Health Center
Their clinical staff of 17 doctors, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants administer care for a wide...

Student Services Building

Bursar's Office
The Bursar’s Office mission is to ensure financial integrity in the cash management of University funds...

Virginia Tech sign

Registrar's Office
The Office of the University Registrars are here to help you navigate your journey as a Hokie. From admission...

Fall orange leaves

Dean of Students
The Dean of Students office is committed to offering support to students so they flourish in every imaginable way..

 

Contact and Visit Our Office
1060 Litton-Reaves Hall
175 West Campus Drive, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6503