Nancy Gruber named assistant vice president with Outreach and International Affairs
Nancy Gruber has been appointed assistant vice president for resource management and planning with Outreach and International Affairs (OIA), bringing more than three decades of financial and administrative expertise to the role.
A 1988 alumna of the Pamplin College of Business, Gruber has served the university since 1992, most recently as director of finance and administration for OIA’s Office of Engagement.
“I’m excited to use my abilities and experiences to make a positive impact throughout the university and in Outreach and International Affairs,” Gruber said. “I find the work in OIA exciting because we bring the university’s knowledge and resources to communities around the world and work to improve people’s quality of life.”
In her new role, Gruber will provide strategic oversight of financial planning, human resources, and organizational planning across the division.
OIA works across Virginia and around the globe, partnering with communities to share university expertise and foster innovation. The division builds partnerships for professional development programs, community engagement initiatives, and research collaborations that address pressing societal challenges.
In announcing the appointment, Vice President Guru Ghosh said, “Nancy’s deep understanding of university operations, coupled with her strategic vision and collaborative leadership style, makes her the ideal choice for this critical role as we expand our engagement initiatives across Virginia and around the world.”
Susan E. Short, associate vice president for engagement in OIA, described Gruber as a highly collaborative colleague and exemplary leader who has significantly contributed to the success of OIA units.
“Nancy is a natural team player and seems to have the innate ability to step in at exactly the right time to bring clarity and solutions to complex issues and challenges,” Short said. “She works diligently to nurture new professionals and serves as an encourager and mentor to many.”
Gruber succeeds Jane Swan, who retired last year after more than 31 years at Virginia Tech.
As a first-generation college student from Southwest Virginia, Gruber brings a personal connection to OIA’s mission. “The work of OIA has always been near and dear to my heart because I know and have witnessed the value of the work that our colleagues conduct on a day-to-day basis,” she said.
Gruber began her Virginia Tech career as a senior accountant in the Controller’s Office, advancing through several roles including manager of accounting services. In 2007, she joined OIA as assistant director of outreach program development before being promoted to the Office of Engagement’s director of finance and administration in 2012.
