Virginia Tech Center for Economic & Community Engagement

10/15/2026

From industry partnerships to hands-on learning opportunities, the Center for Economic and Community Engagement and the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) are helping prepare the next generation of aerospace innovators.

Through partnerships cultivated by Afroze Mohammed and collaborations led by Scott Bailey and the Space@VT team, Virginia Tech students are gaining real-world experience working on industry-sponsored projects, while K-12 learners tackle challenges like space debris alongside experts in the field.

Read more: Link in comments!

10/14/2026

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors today appointed Richard Linton as the university’s 17th president.

Linton will succeed Tim Sands, who will continue to serve as president until Linton assumes office at the beginning of the 2027 spring semester.

Part of the Virginia Tech Alumni community, Linton received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. He currently serves as president of Kansas State University.

“My 40-year journey in the land-grant system began at Virginia Tech,” said Linton. “Having earned three degrees here, the opportunity to return home and serve as president of my alma mater is a true honor.”

Read more ➡️ go.vt.edu/utpPZ

10/12/2026

Urban, suburban and rural communities can all thrive in today’s economy. Getting there will take a new approach.

Emeritus professor John Accordino and CECE Executive Director John A. Provo write in a new op-ed: "Instead of pursuing siloed state and local efforts, Virginia should take a convergent approach, one in which housing, workforce, infrastructure and business development are planned together, region by region, toward a shared goal: communities with a high quality of life."

Read more:

Urban, suburban and rural communities can all thrive in today’s economy. Getting there will take a new approach.

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

The Alleghany region is working together to broaden economic opportunity, help people flourish, and create thriving places.

The Center for Economic and Community Engagement recently held a meeting with community leaders to share updates on Alleghany Thrives, a collective impact initiative that is making a difference in the region.

More information about the initiative can be found here: https://www.alleghanythrives.org/

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new project coordinator Katie Bolling!

Katie graduated from Emory and Henry in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in media and communications, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre, and a minor in English.

After she graduated, she moved into a position at EO as their data coordinator for Project Health, an initiative funded by the Department of Labor designed to provide students with opportunities in high-demand healthcare jobs.

In her role at CECE, Katie assists with proposal development, project budgeting and milestone tracking, and final product editing and formatting.

Read more in an interview with Katie: Link in comments!

10/01/2026

The Center for Economic and Community Engagement is partnering with the Middlesex County Economic Development Authority to uncover opportunities for strengthening the blue catfish industry in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.

CECE team members Ashley Crouse, Sarah Lyon-Hill, and Mallory Tuttle recently facilitated two regional workshops that brought together watermen, local government representatives, seafood businesses, industry organizations, and other partners.

Participants reviewed project findings, prioritized emerging opportunities, and identified potential actions to expand the harvest, processing, distribution, and market demand for invasive blue catfish.

09/29/2026

Make a gift of $15 or more to the Center for Economic and Community Engagement to get a pair of this year’s Hokie socks.

Your support opens doors for students to gain hands-on experience helping communities grow.

Donate here: give.vt.edu/getsocks

Select an Area: Outreach and International Affairs
Select a Fund: Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Learn more about giving to CECE: https://cece.vt.edu/about/give.html

09/28/2026

How can better storytelling support economic development?

CECE's recent advisory board meeting explored that question through a panel on public engagement featuring Emily Gibson, Chris Lloyd, and David Manley. A new blog post (🔗 in comments) includes highlights from the discussion and a link to our annual magazine, where you'll be able to read the stories on how CECE's work is creating positive change in its collaborations with communities.