Virginia Tech replaces economic development office

Center for Economic and Community Engagement to take its place

Published March 24, 2021 by Rich Griset

On Wednesday, Virginia Tech announced that it was replacing its Office of Economic Development with a new Center for Economic and Community Engagement, as part of its commitment to improving the lives of others.

The new university-level center will engage with internal and external partners to drive economic growth, address workforce needs and interact with people statewide. Part of the new center’s mission will be to promote greater opportunities for education, health and job creation for communities across Virginia.

The center will be led by John Provo, who has run the Office of Economic Development since 2010.

“Economic development and civic engagement are central to Virginia Tech’s service to the commonwealth and our land-grant mission,” Cyril Clarke, VT executive vice president and provost, said in a statement. “The Center for Economic and Community Engagement will partner with communities to facilitate full participation of our citizens in economic development.”