A Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.

I am honored to lead the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech, a college with a rich history and a powerful mission rooted in service to the people and communities of Virginia, the nation, and the world. 

I invite you to join us and become part of the dynamic learning, research, and outreach experiences that define our land grant mission—by visiting our campus, applying to one of our programs, joining us at an event, or reaching out to partner with CALS.

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the role of agriculture and the life sciences has never been more critical. At CALS, we are uniquely positioned to lead in shaping the future of agriculture, food systems, environmental sustainability, and soil, plant, animal and human health. I am proud to share our vision of CALS as a global leader—one that empowers students, drives innovation in agriculture and life sciences, fosters resilience in communities and economies, and creates a healthier world.

For our students
If you want your work to have meaning and purpose, then Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers one of the most unique, transformative environments for you to begin your career. From our diverse, hands-on learning opportunities across the commonwealth to our commitment to global experiences, CALS is a place where you can explore your passions, develop your skills, and make an impact on the world. 

Whether you’re interested in working to support healthy people, healthy animals, healthy food, or a healthy environment, CALS will provide the guidance and resources you need to succeed in a wide array of high-demand careers that are critical to society. Get started learning about our programs today.

Virginia—and the world—is our campus
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences can be found wherever we’re needed—partnering with people at a local level to solve global problems. Our land-grant mission means that CALS faculty, staff, and students are guided by the goal of improving the well-being of communities in Virginia and beyond through groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and educational outreach through Virginia Cooperative Extension.

In addition to 10 academic units offering 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, CALS offers a variety of opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to work on campus, across Virginia, and globally.

Virginia Cooperative Extension agents serve their communities from 107 offices, sharing research-based knowledge from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University and empowering farmers, landowners, businesses, families, and youth to thrive.

Our 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) serve as critical hubs for innovation, allowing us to engage directly with agricultural producers and industry leaders who inspire our research and discoveries. 

CALS Global connects our college to the world, building global partnerships for Virginia Tech students and faculty to tackle grand challenges. Those opportunities extend from the U.S. to Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and South Asia, enabling our students to participate in meaningful work to improve water, soil, food systems, health, and livelihoods on a global scale.

For our partners
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our success. We actively seek partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and other academic institutions because we know that working together is essential to solving the complex, global challenges that define our time. By uniting thought leaders across diverse sectors, we can drive positive change in agriculture and life sciences. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge research, unrivaled expertise, impactful solutions, or the next generation of talent, we are eager to work with you. We are a nimble, innovative, and transformative community committed to making a difference—locally and globally. Partner with CALS.

For our alumni
You are our most valuable resource and our greatest ambassadors. We want your involvement with CALS to be an ongoing source of inspiration, pride, and reward. Whether you share your time, talent, or treasure, your contributions to CALS help us continue to improve how we serve our students, industries, and communities. Get involved today.

For our faculty and staff
It’s a privilege to work with you in the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) to serve the commonwealth, nation, and global community. Across campus and in our Virginia Cooperative Extension offices and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, you are making a difference by improving lives and livelihoods—not just in Virginia but all over the country and world. Thank you for all you do. Meet our faculty or join our team.

On a final note, I’ve been deeply moved by the warm welcome I’ve received from the CALS family since I joined the college as dean in October. I’m reassured every day that the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech is the best place in the nation for teaching, learning, innovating, and making a difference in agriculture and life sciences. I’m energized as I think of all the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for us explore together.

Thank you and Go Hokies!

Mario Ferruzzi
Professor and Dean
Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences