Greetings,

Last year, many of you joined us to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Virginia Tech. CALS has been a cornerstone of the university since its founding, and we are excited to chart a bright course for the next 150 years. 

Because of our continued investment in the land-grant mission with help from alumni and friends of the college, our commitment to improving the wellbeing of Virginians and people around the globe remains steadfast.

Inside the pages of this magazine, you will find stories illustrating the scope of our mission to help our communities thrive. Our talented faculty and staff continue to lead impactful research, teaching, and extension programs. Last year, the college and CALS Global received the largest award in Virginia Tech’s history — an $80 million grant which will help agricultural producers across the country pilot and adopt climate-smart practices. The college is expanding its programs to support the growing controlled environment agriculture industry and is furthering the reach of our Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture. These and other projects provide more opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. 

We hired Dr. Mike Gutter as the new director of Virginia Cooperative Extension, who will lead the organization so that it continues to make a positive impact in every corner of the commonwealth.

These stories also highlight the breadth of CALS, its programs to help both rural and urban communities, and the efforts to prepare students for fulfilling careers in agriculture and the life sciences. 

Virginia Tech’s sesquicentennial is just the beginning. The future holds tremendous opportunities for CALS! 

Thank you for being a part of our storied past and our shared future.

Go Hokies!

Alan L. Grant, Ph.D.
Dean