Megan Reese

A new era: President Sands’ legacy and what comes next for Virginia Tech

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

On April 9, Virginia Tech’s President Tim Sands addressed Hokies everywhere in a letter that he would be stepping down from his position. He acknowledged what the community has accomplished in the 12 years since he began his presidency, and confirmed he and his wife plan to stay in Blacksburg.

“It is now time, while Virginia Tech has momentum on so many fronts, for me to start the process of stepping aside so that the next president can take the baton in full stride,” Sands said in his letter to Hokie Nation.

Virginia Tech has gained significant momentum in Sands’ 12-year tenure. According to Virginia Tech News, the university experienced a 30% increase in undergraduate enrollment, 200% increase in applications, 70% increase in extramural research expenditures and 185% increase in the university’s endowment.

Although the numbers show impact, you can see it on the Blacksburg campus as well.

“Ten years ago, [North Academic District] was nothing but a big old parking lot,” said Mark Owczarski, university spokesperson. “Now we have state-of-the-art labs, attracting world-class faculty that are working on huge massive things, everything from curing cancer to engineering improvements.”

The North Academic District is nearly 500,000 square feet that directly impacts students with new academic buildings, a new dining hall and the Undergraduate Science Laboratory. This expansion has not only impacted students currently on campus, but attracts potential students and faculty to join the Virginia Tech community.

Beyond the Blacksburg campus, there have been advancements in Roanoke, Va. with the Virginia Tech’s Health Sciences and Technology Campus. The campus is home to Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, and more. Virginia Tech News reported the campus doubled the university’s economic impact in Roanoke.

There were also significant strides made in the Washington D.C. area. In the spring of 2025, Virginia Tech opened its Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Va. The building is known as Academic Building One and is home to the new Institute for Advanced Computing. The institute supports industry and government partnerships, and with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, benefits graduate students immensely with learning how to address global issues.

The building also houses graduate programs for the Pamplin College of Business and College of Engineering.

“I would say we are a globally recognized premier research university that is going to go out and make the world a better place, and President Sands played a pivotal role in that,” Owczarski said.

Another highlight of Sands’ legacy is the Virginia Tech Advantage, which is a university-wide initiative to provide support for in-state students to do research, study abroad or complete internships with fewer financial barriers.

Providing students with a full experience inside and outside of the classroom helps to contribute to Virginia Tech’s strategic priorities. Virginia Tech Advantage will achieve these goals by doubling the amount of Hokies in the Presidential Scholarship Initiative to 800 students, provide more opportunities for paid internships and provide study abroad experiences and so much more.

Another huge part of Sands’ legacy will be the support he provided to Virginia Tech Athletics. The athletics program is currently in the process of rebuilding with an approved $229 million being invested in it, a new head coach for Virginia Tech football and the search for a new Athletic Director as Whit Babcock announced his retirement.

It is no secret that an elevated athletics program attracts national visibility and the attention of prospective students, which is greatly beneficial to the university as a whole. Although Sands is passing the baton, he will be remembered for helping begin this new chapter.

The question remains, who will come next? Although a successor has not been named yet, Sands plans to help assist with the transition until the new president is ready to lead.

“The university is grateful for President Sands giving our community the advanced notification that he is approaching that time [to step down] but willing to stay on board until a new person is identified,” Owczarski said.

The university has already begun the process as the search committee met virtually on Monday, May 11 to discuss next steps. The committee includes the members of the Board of Visitors and because of that, there was a livestream. The committee did move to a closed session, but more information is to be expected as soon as they can update the community.

The Virginia Tech community was invited to two listening sessions, one for students and one for faculty and staff. The purpose of the sessions was to allow students, faculty and staff to share their insights on the characteristics they seek in the next Virginia Tech president.

“A university president has to balance all these competing interests, while also demonstrating they are a rational leader, who shows empathy, a belief in equity, and in institutional strengths such as academic freedom and shared governance,” said Justin Lemkul, Virginia Tech Faculty Senate President.

Lemkul is a voice for the faculty on the search committee, and he intends on making sure that voice is heard.

“Faculty, staff, and students are central to everything we do here,” Lemkul said. “University presidents set priorities, advocate on behalf of the university, and establish a vision for where the institution will go. Executing that vision requires collective buy-in and support from all constituents at the university.”

There is a concern for the search happening prominently over the summer, while many faculty and students are away. According to the livestream of the search committee, they can only meet one more time virtually this year, then they must be in-person for meetings, which can be difficult with members of the committee being located all over the country.

“It is essential that the process have the trust of the university community,” Lemkul said. “Any appointment made while many individuals (faculty and students) are away from campus and thus somewhat dissociated from university business risks undermining the confidence we have in the search process and the next president, regardless of who it is.”

Lemkul also emphasized the importance of providing sufficient opportunities for finalists for the position to interact with students, faculty and staff as it builds a strong foundation for relationships made with the new president.

Leading a large land-grant institution is no simple task, and that is why the presidential search committee will take time. As for who it will be, there are certain boxes that person must check.

“We need a leader who has the capability of leading a large institution of higher education, and knowledgeable for the attributes that Virginia Tech has,” Owczarski said. “A longer answer will come on [a presidential search] website as we post the position description and the attributes that the search committee believes is essential for that next leader.”

For now, a community thanks Sands as he steps down from what was a very successful 12-year tenure. His predecessors set him up for success, and he plans to do the same.

“[Sands recognizes] that he can’t do it all in a 12, 15, 20 year block,” Owczarski said. “He has got to be able to pass that baton in full stride as he says, and make sure that the future of Virginia Tech is secure.”

Twelve years is a long time with a long list of accomplishments, so how do you sum up a legacy like that? The university’s spokesperson puts it simply.

“President Sands was able to take that potential and make it reality,” Owczarski said.

Although he is approaching retirement, Sands and his wife, Laura P. Sands, have no plans on leaving Blacksburg. In his letter to the community, he said the two will always be Hokies, and this place is home for them. The search for a new president remains, and Sands will be in Blacksburg to guide his successor in a smooth transition.

What is the April 21 redistricting election about and why is it happening?

By Megan Reese, Quincy Allen, and Savannah May, politics and government reporters

Another one of Virginia’s elections is underway, this time with the state’s Democratic Party proposing a redistricting referendum. Republicans are opposed to it, saying it gives the Democrats an unfair advantage. Virginia Tech’s Karen Hult weighs in on the possibility of new district lines in the Commonwealth as the final date of voting, April 21st, approaches.

Blacksburg Citizens Institute aims to teach residents how local government works

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

The Blacksburg Citizens Institute is a 10-week program that teaches residents how the local government operates. From touring facilities, meeting with local leaders and seeing how projects are planned, participants get a close-up view of how decisions are made. This year’s program begins on March 30 and will wrap up on June 8.

Community Support Helps Interfaith Food Pantry Feed Blacksburg

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

In Blacksburg, Va., the Interfaith Food Pantry is helping address food insecurity by providing food and personal care items for those in need. Through strong community partnerships and volunteer support, the pantry is expanding its services and working to ensure no one goes without food.

Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approves on-campus residential housing and athletic facility improvements

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors met virtually for a special meeting to discuss improvement and funding plans made to the Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility and on-campus residential facilities.

During the special meeting, two resolutions were discussed. The first was authorizing Virginia Tech to move forward with an $800,000 planning authorization, which is to make improvements to the Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility. The second was authorizing planning funds and target timelines for several on-campus residential housing renovations, such as Slusher Hall, Pritchard Hall and Hoge Hall. Both plans were approved by the 13 board members in attendance unanimously.

“As a freshman I lived in Pritchard, and I think renovating should definitely be a priority for this school. Not only is there no air conditioning, but the bathrooms need a little love and the carpet in Pritchard needs to go,” said junior Virginia Tech student Leila Sarkarzadeh.

An entryway to Pritchard Hall, a residence hall on Virginia Tech’s campus.

Photo taken by Megan Reese.

A full view of Slusher Hall, a residence hall on Virginia Tech’s campus. Photo taken by Megan Reese.

Many students complain of the lack of air conditioning in those residential halls during the hotter months, and the university is prioritizing that in the renovations. The renovation goals include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as environmental quality, addressing modern program needs and safety needs.

Virginia Tech made an effort to better understand students’ needs and priorities by bringing in Brailsford and Dunleavy, a consulting company, to meet with students. The board also has an undergraduate student representative that conveys those needs. This person is a non-voting member, but still contributes to conversations, giving students a voice. There are four other non-voting members, the staff, faculty, administrative/professional faculty, and graduate student representatives.

“I sat in on one of [the Brailsford and Dunleavy] meetings as an RA, and I sat in on it as a student leader, and then I met with them in my capacity as the representative,” said Thomas Feely, the undergraduate student representative. “So I think they tried to cover their bases quite well. Emails went out to all of the residents saying, if you want to be part of a focus group, they’re meeting today for this.”

Amy Sebring, Virginia Tech’s vice president and chief operating officer, explained the plans in immense detail during her presentation. There was a refresher on all of the plans that were previously discussed, the renovations’ financial impact and a preliminary housing framework scenario discussing enrollment growth.

Slusher Hall was built in 1972 and the target construction start date will be summer of 2028. The proposed planning authorization is $6.5 million. Hoge Hall is the next building to start construction, with a target start date of the summer of 2030. It was built in 1966 and the proposed planning authorization is $9 million. The last building in this plan is Pritchard Hall, built in 1967, with the first phase of construction planning to begin in summer of 2032 and phase two in summer of 2034. The proposed planning authorization is $12 million.

The plan also noted that residential rates will increase with inflation and the renovations. The plan states “by 2032, to cover project costs, residential rates would need to increase by 4.2% per annum. By 2032 this would equate to 25.2% or $2,326, which equals a bed rate of $11,576.”

Annual increase needed to cover project costs is 4.2% and the annual increase projected to cover inflation is 3%, which combines to 7.2%. However bed rates are different based on the category. There is non air-conditioned multiple occupancy, air-conditioned multiple occupancy, and air-conditioned single occupancy. The new bed rate will apply based on the category.

“That 7% is being applied per category. The reason why I think this is reasonable is because we’re behind. We have a lot of deferred maintenance on these facilities,” said Feely. “3% goes to inflation and then the 4% is for the cost of renovations, which it’s tough to argue with 4%. To me it seems like a pretty good deal.”

Although the on-campus residential resolution was the bigger proposition of the meeting, the indoor practice plans were approved as well. The plan notes, “a conditioned interior practice environment is critical to remain competitive with other Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA Division I athletics programs.”

Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility. Photo taken by Megan Reese.

The board recently made headlines for approving a $229 million plan to invest in athletics for the next four years. This plan aligns with the need to be competitive with other Division I athletic programs.

Feely noted that although there may be concern about more money going towards athletics, that this plan is funded by athletics auxiliary revenues, like ticket sales, which is money that the athletics department already has.

The next board of Visitors meeting is planned for April 13-14.

How Southwest Virginia residents should prepare for tax filing season with changes in policy and impact

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

Photo courtesy of Dr. Michelle Harding

According to Benjamin Franklin, there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. Because of that, it is important to understand what you are paying and why you are paying it.

Jan. 26 marked the first day of tax filing season for Americans, and this time of year can be extremely stressful and confusing. Each year there are new laws and regulations put into place by Congress, and most people don’t have the time to fully understand what they mean.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., of Virginia’s 9th District, recently wrote an article for NRVNews.com explaining how the new reconciliation package, called the “Working Families Tax Cuts,” could affect Southwest Virginia.

I spoke with Dr. Michelle Harding to discuss the basics of tax filing season, understand the new policies and how they will impact the local residents. Harding is a licensed certified public accountant specializing in taxation, and she joined the Pamplin College of Business in 2017 to teach the next generation of accounting professionals.

Harding’s comments were edited slightly for length and clarity purposes.

Can you give a quick summary of what tax filing season is?

Every year, people who have an income have to file a tax return. There’s some requirements where if your income’s below a certain level, you may not be required to file a tax return. But, if you have wage income, that means your employer has likely already deducted taxes. So, even if you’re not required to file a tax return, you should anyway in order to get a refund of those taxes that you’ve already paid.

What we typically think of as tax filing season is that employers are required to give their employees a W-2 form, which is their annual wage report for all the income they’ve earned over the last year, by Jan. 31. Basically, tax season is the time when you receive that W-2 wage report from your employer, until the April 15th filing deadline.

What is your overall main advice to young people and families going through this tax season?

When you get a W-2, 1099 form or your annual bank interest statement, those businesses are sending you a copy, but they’re also sending the IRS a copy. It’s really important that you pay attention and make sure you include all of your sources of income in your tax return.

Often people are just intimidated by taxes, it seems overwhelming and daunting. For people whose primary source of income is their paycheck, they absolutely should not be intimidated by this process because their W-2 is the main piece of information they need to file their tax return. Most Americans will actually receive a refund. So yeah, that’s good news.

There are also free tax filing services available. The IRS has on their website, it’s called IRS Free File. If your adjusted gross income is less than $89,000, then there is this online service that’s free for you to file your taxes. Also, the New River Valley Community Action Group sponsors VITA, which is Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. I definitely encourage people to take advantage of those resources.

Every year we see changes in tax policy, which directly impacts taxpayers. Can you explain, in plain terms, what the “Working Families Tax Cuts” are designed to do?

Tax deductions are rules that Congress passes. That’s another misconception. People blame the IRS, but Congress passes tax laws, and the IRS is responsible for enforcement of those tax laws. Every year Congress decides how much each taxpayer is allowed to deduct. So, every taxpayer gets a standard deduction, and that standard deduction reduces the amount of your income that you have to pay taxes on. It is a flat amount that everyone gets based on their filing status.

The first change under these “Working Families Tax Cuts” is that the amounts increased a little bit more than they usually do from year to year. That’s Congress saying, we’re allowing you to pay taxes on less of your income.

Then we get into some other very specific targeted tax deductions. For taxpayers that are 65 and older and have other sources of income, they get an extra $4,000 of standard deduction.

Also, qualified tip income. This is going to benefit people who work in service industries where a lot of their income is from tips. You’re able to exclude up to $25,000 as a single person. But if you’re married filing jointly, up to $50,000 of your income. That can be quite meaningful to people who get a lot of their income from tips.

There is also a new deduction for qualified overtime compensation. People who are paid on an hourly basis, if you work more than 40 hours a week, you’re entitled to overtime.

Based on what we know, how might these tax cuts affect working families in Southwest Virginia or the NRV specifically?

So if you qualify for these taxes; if you have tip income, if you have overtime income or if you’re 65 or older, these things will benefit you. But if I am a salary worker, for example, let’s talk about Virginia Tech. An administrative assistant may make $30,000 a year. So they have no tip income and they have no overtime income because they’re a salary employee. So, none of those deductions will benefit them. Now, everyone having the higher standard deduction will likely provide some tax relief. That effect is likely between $100 and $200 if your income is around the national salary average of $62,000, which again, more tax saving is always better.

Would this policy meaningfully change the tax filing experience? Would filing taxes become simpler, more complicated, or mostly unchanged?

It’s definitely not becoming simpler. Because as I described those tax deductions, there are a lot of if-then statements. So what will I advise them? Number one, don’t be intimidated by the process, especially if your income is primarily a W-2 and then you have some interest from your savings account. That’s a very straightforward tax return. If you know how to use a computer and the internet, using one of the free online tax filing resources, should be a really straightforward experience. So don’t be intimidated by it because the tax software walks you through the process.