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Virginia Senator Praises Outgoing Virginia Tech President
Warner highlights Sands' leadership and calls for thoughtful search for next university president.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:38am
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The transition of leadership at Virginia Tech's campus will shape the university's future direction and impact across the Commonwealth.Blacksburg TodayU.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a statement praising the 12-year tenure of outgoing Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Warner highlighted Sands' work to position the university as a more competitive global research institution, strengthen industry partnerships, and prepare graduates for the modern workforce. As Sands departs, Warner emphasized the importance of a thorough search process to find a world-class successor to build on the university's strong foundation.
Why it matters
Virginia Tech is one of the state's flagship public universities, playing a crucial role in research, innovation, and workforce development. The transition to a new president is a significant event that will shape the university's future direction and impact across the Commonwealth.
The details
In his statement, Warner praised Sands' leadership in prioritizing research, expanding enrollment, and fostering lasting industry collaborations. These efforts, according to Warner, have better prepared Virginia Tech graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly changing job market.
- Tim Sands has served as Virginia Tech president for the past 12 years.
The players
Mark R. Warner
A Democratic U.S. Senator representing Virginia.
Tim Sands
The outgoing president of Virginia Tech, who has led the university for the past 12 years.
Virginia Tech
A public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia, and one of the state's flagship higher education institutions.
What they’re saying
“Over the last twelve years, President Tim Sands has led a period of major growth and transformation at Virginia Tech, positioning the university as a more competitive global research institution. He strengthened Virginia Tech by prioritizing research and innovation, expanding enrollment while maintaining university competitiveness, and building lasting industry partnerships. As a result, Virginia Tech graduates are better prepared to meet the needs of a dynamic and rapidly changing workforce.”
— Mark R. Warner, U.S. Senator
“As the university looks ahead, it is essential that Virginia Tech takes the time to conduct a thoughtful and thorough search for its next leader — one that reflects the institution's stature and ensures it secures a world-class president to build on this strong foundation.”
— Mark R. Warner, U.S. Senator
What’s next
Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors will oversee the search process for the university's next president, with the goal of finding a successor to build on Tim Sands' legacy.
The takeaway
The transition of leadership at Virginia Tech is a significant event for the Commonwealth, as the university plays a vital role in research, innovation, and workforce development. Senator Warner's praise for outgoing President Sands and call for a thorough search process underscores the importance of securing the right leader to guide Virginia Tech into the future.
