Virginia Tech Center for Economic & Community Engagement

05/28/2026

A Virginia Tech project is helping to breathe new life into a historic octagon-shaped house in Marion, Virginia, which has been a beloved fixture in the community for decades.

The collaboration, which includes the Center for Economic and Community Engagement, the Community Design Assistance Center at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance, and the Virginia Tech Southwest Center, is helping the Octagon House Foundation apply for grants to complete the restoration of the building, finance program development, and add a wedding and event venue, visitor’s center, and lodging and dining services.

Read more: Link in comments.

05/21/2026

Virginia Business recently named Mallory Tuttle to its 2026 Forty Under 40 list. 🎉

As associate director of the Virginia Tech Newport News Center, Tuttle works across a region shaped by defense and aerospace, coastal industry, and energy innovation. Her job is to match the university’s expertise with the people doing that work — and to make sure those connections last.

“I often describe my approach as taking a concierge mindset,” Tuttle said. “It means being attentive, listening carefully, and thinking about how to create value for everyone involved. At its core, community engagement is about building relationships and making sure people have positive, productive experiences working together.”

Read more about Mallory: Link in comments.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Region 2's Top 50 Interns and Top Employers of Interns!

Yesterday, Virginia TOP award recipients across the New River Valley, Roanoke-Alleghany, and Greater Lynchburg regions celebrated, networked, and enjoyed breakfast with other employers, colleges and universities, and workforce and economic development boards in the area.

Read more: Link in comments.

05/19/2026

Meet the CECE Advisory Board Chair: Guru Ghosh.

Guru Ghosh has served as the vice president for outreach and international affairs at Virginia Tech since 2013. He holds a Ph.D. in educational policy, planning, and leadership from the College of William and Mary, a master's degree in student personnel administration in higher education from Ball State University, and a bachelor's degree in international business from Marycrest College.

Read more about Guru: Link in comments!

05/13/2026

Please join us in congratulating our CECE graduate assistants Katie Lee and Makenzie Mann – they are graduating with master’s degrees in urban and regional planning this week!

Thank you, Katie and Makenzie, for your hard work and dedication to CECE; we wish you all the best in your future careers! 🎉

Read more about Katie and Makenzie: Link in comments.

05/11/2026

An interdisciplinary team is working alongside Amonate residents to preserve the former coal town's history, identify community priorities, and build local capacity.

With a small Vibrant Virginia seed grant, Jenn Thomas, assistant professor of landscape architecture in the Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, and other faculty members and staff began working alongside Amonate residents — not with a set plan, but with a commitment to listen.

Read more: Link in comments.

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

Virginia Tech researchers are calling attention to local history through a Vibrant Virginia project that is developing exhibits and art along U.S. bicycle route 76.

A team led by Tom Ewing, a professor in the History Department at Virginia Tech, included faculty and staff from Virginia Tech Libraries and the Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

The team used funding from a Vibrant Virginia seed grant and a Virginia Association of Museums grant to develop a call for proposals to fund exhibits along or near the 76 route. The goal of the exhibits is to convey a welcoming message to cyclists, visitors, and residents and portray a connection to the commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Read more: Link in comments.

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Our team had a great trip to Clifton Forge, Virginia. Our visit included a meeting at the Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre and a walking tour of the downtown. Thank you to our partners for your hospitality and speaking with us about the initiatives making an impact in the region!

04/30/2026

How is AI impacting higher education and the workplace?

Join a webinar hosted by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to hear how institutions and employers can prepare students for the future and AI.

When: May 13, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Link to register in comments!