Melinda West, associate vice president for finance and university controller, to retire
Melinda West will retire from her role of associate vice president for finance and university controller after the close of the fiscal year, capping a Virginia Tech career spanning more than 29 years of exemplary university service.
As controller, West oversees Virginia Tech’s financial and accounting operations, including general accounting, financial reporting, fixed assets, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, risk management, and the bursar’s office. West also played an instrumental role in shaping financial policies and procedures, fostering strong university partnerships, and driving enhancements to university business processes.
“Melinda has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing the university’s financial integrity, operational excellence, and strategic priorities,” said Simon Allen, vice president for finance and chief financial officer. “She has demonstrated success in a number of key roles within the Finance division during her career, as well as identifying and mentoring a number of current and future leaders who will be formative in the future of accounting and finance operations at Virginia Tech.”
West joined Virginia Tech in 1996 as manager of general accounts receivable and loans and collections in the bursar’s office. Through the years, she held key positions including senior internal auditor and assistant to the vice president for finance. Prior to her role as controller, she served for a decade as university bursar, where she led the effective operation of billing, collections, and compliance with federal and industry standards, ensuring the financial integrity of university operations.
A certified public accountant, West holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Radford University and an MBA from Averett University. Before joining Virginia Tech, she served as an auditor with the Commonwealth of Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts.
“My time at Virginia Tech has been immensely rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and friendships gained over the years,” said West. “It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff and professionals. As I ready for retirement in 2025, I am committed to ensuring a seamless handover of my responsibilities.”
Virginia Tech will soon launch a national search for an associate vice president for finance and university controller. Brad Sumpter, assistant vice provost for finance, will chair the search for this critical role.
