University Leadership
Learn more about Virginia Tech’s leadership and governance.
Board of Visitors
The Board of Visitors is the governing authority for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The board has 14 members, 13 of whom are appointed by the governor. The 14th member is the president of the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, who serves ex officio.
Senior administrative personnel
Virginia Tech is led by Timothy Sands, the university’s 16th president, and Cyril Clarke, the executive vice president and provost. The president reports directly to the Board of Visitors.
University Governance
The university operates under a system of shared governance, with the University Council at the apex of the university governance structure. Its purpose is to assist the President of the University in formulating and implementing university policy. University Commissions constitute the main resident bodies for policy formulation. Their memberships include representation from Administration, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, College Faculty Associations, Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate, Graduate and Professional Student Senate, Undergraduate Student Senate, and representatives from other interest groups where appropriate. The University Commissions formulate and recommend policies to the University Council, which in turn makes recommendations to the President of the University. Final authority rests with the President of the University and the Board of Visitors.