Search committee named for Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology's executive director

Editor's note: Listening session information has been added since this first published.

Virginia Tech has formed the search committee to oversee a national search for the next executive director of the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT).

Reporting to the senior vice president for research and innovation, the executive director will shape ICAT’s strategic direction, lead a dynamic research agenda at the intersection of arts and technology, and foster collaboration across colleges. As a member of Virginia Tech’s senior leadership, the executive director will engage with key councils and initiatives to elevate the university’s research profile and advance its Beyond Boundaries vision, leveraging ICAT’s talented faculty, innovative facilities, and broad partnerships.

The full position description is available online.

The executive director will replace Ben Knapp, who retired after 15 years of leadership as the institute’s inaugural executive director.

Two listening sessions have been scheduled to encourage university community members to share their perspectives on the quality, experiences, priorities, and vision’s principles most important for this role. Community input will play a valuable part in guiding the search committee to identify the candidate who will best advance the university’s mission and strengthen the community.

Participation may be in-person or virtual on the following dates:

Oct. 31 from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. in Steger Hall 145, 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, VA (in-person) or Virtual

Nov. 5 from 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. in Cowgill Hall 400, 1325 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA (in-person) or Virtual

Karine Dupre, associate dean of Research and Creative Scholarship in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design and Rob McCarley, executive director of the Fralin Life Science Institute, are co-chairing this search. Search committee members are:

• Tim Baird, associate professor of geography, College of Natural Resources and Environment
• Kurt Luther, associate professor of computer science, College of Engineering
• Sarah Parker, research associate professor, chair of the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
• Michelle Stocker, associate professor of geosciences, College of Science
• Ruth Waalkes, associate provost for the arts and executive director of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
• Holly Williams, director of administration, ICAT

The Division of Human Resources’ Executive Search Team will assist with the search. For confidential inquiries or to nominate an individual for this position, contact Jeff Cumberland.