Lisa J. Wilkes receives national award for advancing transformational change
Lisa J. Wilkes, vice president for strategic initiatives and special assistant to the president, has received the 2025 Maury Cotter Leader of Change Award from the Network for Change and Continuous Innovation (NCCI).
The nonprofit association is dedicating to global improvement in higher education through a collaborative professional network of change leaders. The Maury Cotter award identifies and celebrates exceptional individuals whose efforts have resulted in significant impact on their institutions and beyond.
“The higher education landscape is constantly changing and testing our ability to keep up,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said. “Lisa’s strategic approach makes it possible to manage change and the impact on our community while also embracing the opportunities it provides. She has a unique ability to advance the vision, facilitate the transformational pathway and connect the people needed for successful design and implementation.”
During her nearly 30 years of service at Virginia Tech, Wilkes has been instrumental in advancing change and transformation, facilitating implementation of university initiatives with a focus on the institution’s greatest asset – its people.
In her role as vice president for strategic initiatives, Wilkes has worked to reimagine how the university organizes and implements the priorities identified by Sands and university leadership. Examples include the Early Childhood Education Initiative, and Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative. She launched the Virginia Tech’s Organizational Excellence office to provide consulting and support services to help campus leaders successfully implement transformational change. Wilkes also has served as an advisor to other institutions seeking to launch communities of practice focused on change and transformation.
“Recognition by NCCI and higher education colleagues who work to advance transformational change across institutions is a great honor,” Wilkes said. “I am grateful to leaders and stakeholders across the campus community who have been strategic partners in this important work.”
“Lisa’s thoughtful guidance connects people and resources in a way that supports our institutional priorities, community, and culture through periods of significant change,” said Amy Hogan, executive director for Organizational Excellence. “We’re proud to see her leadership recognized through this significant national award.”
Earlier this year, Wilkes was also elected to the NCCI board of directors. She received the award at organization’s annual conference in Atlanta.
