Dennis Nolan named executive director of Environmental Health and Safety
Dennis Nolan will assume the role of executive director for Environmental Health and Safety at Virginia Tech effective July 5 and brings extensive experience and a clear vision for enhancing safety and compliance.
Previously serving as assistant vice president of environmental health and safety at Baylor University, Nolan significantly impacted education, research, and safety programs there. His responsibilities at Baylor included ensuring the safety of faculty, staff, students, and visitors as well as maintaining compliance with environmental regulations
“I am excited to collaborate with the university community and drive continuous improvement in Virginia Tech’s Environmental Health and Safety programs,” said Nolan. His primary goals include fostering a culture of safety and ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of environmental health and safety practices.
Nolan’s professional background spans 14 years at the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as the assistant director of environmental health and safety. Prior to that, he worked as a clinical microbiologist and BSL-3 lab administrator for the Florida Bureau of Laboratories for nine years. Nolan is also a certified biosafety professional and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for four years.
He holds a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Public Health and a Master of Health Science from the University of North Florida as well as a bachelor's degree in biology from Jacksonville University.
“Dennis Nolan’s appointment is a significant addition to our team. His wealth of experience and dedication to safety will play a key role in advancing our environmental health and safety programs. I’m eager to witness the positive contributions he will bring to this vital position,” said Michael Mulhare, interim associate vice president for public safety.
Environmental Health and Safety plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing teaching, learning, and research activities by ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting a safe and healthy environment across all university locations. The department maintains a safe campus by ensuring that university activities comply with environmental, health, and safety policies, regulations, and laws through preventive control strategies and initiatives.
The department collaborates with university units and departments and external regulatory agencies, promoting a positive, responsible, and integrated safety culture within the university community. Environmental Health and Safety serves the entire Virginia Tech community, including the Blacksburg campus, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, graduate centers, the D.C. area, Agricultural Research and Education Centers across Virginia, the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, and other facilities owned or occupied by Virginia Tech nationally and internationally.
