Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a restful holiday break. As we gear up for the start of the Spring semester, I am excited by the work ahead of us in 2024. Across University Operations, there are numerous initiatives underway that align with our shared commitment to enhance the customer experience and ensure that our stakeholders have access to the infrastructure and resources they need to do their best work. 

January marks the beginning of the commonwealth’s General Assembly Session.  The Session kicked off Wednesday, January 10, and is scheduled to adjourn March 9. Over the next two months lawmakers from across the commonwealth gather to deliberate the state’s biennial budget and consider legislation that could have various impacts on the university. During that time, I’ll be racking up many frequent driver miles between Blacksburg and Richmond as I work with President Sands and our Government and Community Relations team to share the amazing achievements of faculty, staff, and students with legislators and staff, identify areas where Virginia Tech can provide expertise to issues affecting Virginia state policies, and advocate for Virginia Tech’s needs throughout the Session. 

As we watch the deliberations in Richmond, we’ll also be working through the university’s budget development process. In addition to new requests, the Provost and I have asked all areas of the university to help us identify opportunities to prioritize and reinvest our resources in support of the university’s primary strategic objectives: realizing the Virginia Tech Global Distinction and making progress towards the Virginia Tech Advantage.  As part of that effort, I ask each of you to think creatively about how we can redesign our work to be more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our constituents, while elevating the accomplishment of our strategic vision. No idea is too small, and everyone’s perspective is valuable. Talk to your supervisor if you see an opportunity where Virginia Tech can improve.  

In February, we’ll welcome Sharon Pitt as our new Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Sharon returns to Virginia Tech after having served in similar roles, most recently at Brown University and the University of Delaware.  Please join me in welcoming Sharon to the University Operations team. 

I’ve shared several links below to announcements and news that you may have missed, including a recent announcement that the university has revised its 2024 holiday calendar and will no longer require employees to use annual leave during the Winter Break holiday closing.  If you have questions about the new policy or other related changes to leave accrual, please reach out to your HR representative.

Now bring on the warm weather!