Celeste Derey Brogdon named assistant dean of advancement in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
A Roanoke native, Brogdon brings deep experience in agricultural engagement and university advancement to Virginia Tech.
Celeste Derey Brogdon has been named the new assistant dean of advancement for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech. She began her appointment on April 10.
A Roanoke native, Brogdon returns to her home state with more than two decades of experience in university advancement, agricultural partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Her connection to Southwest Virginia runs deep, shaped by a childhood spent in small town farming communities.
“My mother’s family is from a multi-generational tobacco farm in Glade Hill, Virginia,” she said. "I've been in Raleigh for my career, but my heart’s always been in Virginia.”
In her new role, Brogdon will help guide philanthropic strategy under the leadership of Dean Mario Ferruzzi.
Ferruzzi said Brogdon brings a thoughtful, relationship‑centered approach to advancement work, noting that her experience supporting agricultural initiatives and partnership development aligns well with the college’s new strategic priorities.
“Celeste’s understanding of agricultural communities and her ability to bring people and ideas together to work toward a goal will strengthen CALS’ outreach and development efforts across the commonwealth, especially as we make promoting healthy communities, sustaining our natural resources, and enhancing the vitality of Virginia’s livestock and agricultural industries a focus moving into the future,” he said.
Before joining the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Brogdon worked at NC State University for over 14 years, where she held several leadership roles and helped guide major agricultural and research‑driven initiatives, including the N.C. Food Innovation Lab, the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein, and the N.C. Food Animal Initiative.
Her work focused on securing philanthropic and public-private support, strengthening partnerships across industry and government, and building engagement strategies that translated research findings to benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
“One of my strengths is bridging gaps and creating relationships needed to start initiatives and bring them to fruition,” she said. “I focus on creating connections so when there’s an opportunity, we can come together and act on it.”
Dan Cleveland, associate vice president of advancement for Virginia Tech, said Brogdon’s collaborative style and knack for bringing people together fit well with the university’s overarching advancement goals.
“Celeste knows that good advancement work is built on trust and strong relationships,” Cleveland said. “She understands how advancement supports the university’s priorities by connecting people with the opportunities and resources that move Virginia Tech forward.”
Brogdon agreed, citing the strategic planning process the college is undergoing as she steps into her new position.
“What a perfect road map for a fundraiser,” she said. “Whatever the college and faculty want to be known for — that’s what we can help resource through philanthropy, partnerships, and storytelling.”
Brogdon said her immediate priority will be meeting with alumni, producers, stakeholders, and partners to better understand their needs.
“CALS is the embodiment of the land‑grant mission,” she said. “Its impact reaches far beyond Blacksburg. I’m excited to return home and be a part of it.”
