Virginia Tech Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Virginia Tech has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and academic administration.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, Virginia Tech advances global knowledge through comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs while fostering a culture of discovery and community impact.

Leadership Roles at Virginia Tech

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Franklin
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT) - Arush Kumar
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mark Hamric
  • President - Micah Husby
  • Co President - Riley Novak
  • Co-President - Morgan Bradley
  • Founder & President - Julia Thomas
  • Chief of Staff - Monika Gibson
  • Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff - Ed Nelson
  • Chapter Advisor - Nicole Connors
  • James Franklin - Chief Executive Officer

    James Franklin, the Chief Executive Officer at Virginia Tech, directs the overarching strategic vision for the university. Franklin oversees the alignment of academic research with public service goals to ensure the institution maintains high standards in higher education. By managing complex institutional relationships, the Chief Executive Officer drives growth across diverse departments and secures long-term sustainability for the university. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to implement policies that enhance the student experience and expand research capabilities. James Franklin monitors the effectiveness of university programs to ensure alignment with the mission of providing quality education. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across the campus. Franklin maintains a focus on institutional advancement, ensuring the university remains a leader in academic innovation and public service within the broader higher education landscape.

    Arush Kumar - Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT)

    Arush Kumar, the Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT) at Virginia Tech, directs the strategic initiatives related to credit-based academic programs. Kumar oversees the development of curriculum standards that align with the university's mission of providing rigorous undergraduate and graduate education. By managing the credit-granting processes, the Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT) ensures that academic programs meet the highest quality benchmarks. Arush Kumar collaborates with academic departments to expand the reach of credit-bearing courses across various disciplines. This leadership role involves evaluating the effectiveness of current academic structures and implementing improvements to enhance student learning outcomes. The Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT) monitors the integration of new technologies into the classroom to support modern educational needs. Through strategic oversight of credit programs, Kumar ensures that the university remains competitive in the higher education market. By focusing on academic integrity, the Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT) supports the long-term success of the student body.

    Mark Hamric - Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Hamric, the Chief Financial Officer at Virginia Tech, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the university. Hamric manages the allocation of funds to support research initiatives and academic programs. By analyzing financial data, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the institution maintains a stable economic foundation while pursuing growth. Mark Hamric directs the development of long-term financial strategies that support the university's mission of providing accessible education. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to prioritize investments in infrastructure and faculty development. The Chief Financial Officer monitors compliance with financial regulations and university policies to ensure transparency. Through rigorous oversight of the budget, Hamric optimizes the use of resources across all departments. By maintaining fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial future of the university, allowing for continued investment in academic excellence and student success.

    Micah Husby - President

    Micah Husby, the President at Virginia Tech, leads the university in its mission to provide world-class education and research. Husby directs the overall strategy for the institution, ensuring that all academic and administrative functions support the goal of student success. By representing the university to external stakeholders, the President drives the growth of the institution's reputation and influence. Micah Husby oversees the implementation of long-term initiatives that enhance the university's research capabilities and academic offerings. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board and other executives to set the vision for the future of the university. The President monitors the performance of all departments to ensure alignment with the core mission. Through decisive leadership, Husby ensures that the university remains a leader in higher education. By fostering a culture of innovation, the President supports the continued development of the university's programs and community impact.

    Riley Novak - Co President

    Riley Novak, the Co President at Virginia Tech, shares the responsibility of leading the university's student-focused initiatives. Novak directs the efforts to improve student engagement and campus life, ensuring that all programs align with the university's mission. By collaborating with other leaders, the Co President develops strategies to enhance the overall student experience. Riley Novak monitors the effectiveness of student services and implements improvements to support academic success. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that student needs are met efficiently. The Co President evaluates the impact of campus activities on student well-being and academic performance. Through active participation in university governance, Novak ensures that the student voice is represented in decision-making processes. By focusing on community building, the Co President supports the university's goal of providing a comprehensive and supportive environment for all students.

    Morgan Bradley - Co-President

    Morgan Bradley, the Co-President at Virginia Tech, manages the operational aspects of student-led academic initiatives. Bradley directs the coordination of programs that promote student research and professional development. By working closely with faculty, the Co-President ensures that student projects align with the university's academic standards. Morgan Bradley monitors the progress of various initiatives to ensure they contribute to the overall mission of the institution. This leadership role involves managing resources and facilitating collaboration among student groups to maximize their impact. The Co-President evaluates the success of academic programs and implements changes to improve student outcomes. Through strategic planning, Bradley supports the university's commitment to providing high-quality education. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Co-President ensures that students have the tools and support necessary to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits within the university community.

    Julia Thomas - Founder & President

    Julia Thomas, the Founder & President at Virginia Tech, establishes the foundational vision for the university's specialized programs. Thomas directs the development of new academic initiatives that align with the institution's long-term goals. By overseeing the initial implementation of these programs, the Founder & President ensures that they meet the high standards of the university. Julia Thomas monitors the growth of these initiatives to ensure they continue to provide value to the student body. This leadership role involves securing resources and building partnerships that support the sustainability of the programs. The Founder & President evaluates the impact of these initiatives on the university's overall mission. Through visionary leadership, Thomas ensures that the university remains at the forefront of academic innovation. By maintaining a focus on the original mission, the Founder & President supports the continued success and evolution of the university's academic offerings.

    Monika Gibson - Chief of Staff

    Monika Gibson, the Chief of Staff at Virginia Tech, manages the daily operations of the executive office. Gibson coordinates communication between senior leadership and various academic departments to ensure operational efficiency. By facilitating strategic planning sessions, the Chief of Staff streamlines decision-making processes across the university. Monika Gibson monitors the execution of institutional initiatives, ensuring that all projects align with the core mission of providing comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. This role requires constant interaction with university stakeholders to maintain organizational cohesion. The Chief of Staff evaluates internal workflows to identify opportunities for improvement in administrative performance. Through careful management of executive priorities, Gibson supports the university in achieving its long-term goals. By fostering collaboration among diverse teams, the Chief of Staff ensures that the leadership team remains focused on delivering high-quality educational outcomes for the entire student body.

    Ed Nelson - Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff

    Ed Nelson, the Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff at Virginia Tech, manages the administrative functions within the academic departments. Nelson coordinates the daily operations of the dean's office to ensure that faculty and staff have the necessary support to deliver high-quality education. By overseeing internal processes, the Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff improves the efficiency of academic programs. Ed Nelson facilitates communication between the faculty and the executive leadership to ensure alignment with university goals. This role involves managing personnel resources and supporting the development of new academic initiatives. The Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff monitors the implementation of policies that impact the student experience. Through careful coordination of administrative tasks, Nelson ensures that the university maintains its commitment to academic excellence. By streamlining operational workflows, the Administration Associate Dean & Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of the institution.

    Nicole Connors - Chapter Advisor

    Nicole Connors, the Chapter Advisor at Virginia Tech, guides student organizations in aligning their activities with university values. Connors oversees the development of leadership skills among students to ensure that campus groups contribute positively to the university community. By providing mentorship, the Chapter Advisor helps students navigate the complexities of university life while maintaining academic focus. Nicole Connors monitors the compliance of student chapters with institutional policies and safety standards. This role involves facilitating communication between student leaders and university administration to ensure that all activities support the mission of the institution. The Chapter Advisor evaluates the impact of student-led initiatives on the campus culture. Through consistent guidance, Connors fosters an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. By supporting the growth of student organizations, the Chapter Advisor ensures that the university remains a vibrant and inclusive community for all students.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Virginia Tech Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Virginia Tech?
    Virginia Tech is led by James Franklin (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Arush Kumar (Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT)) and Mark Hamric (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Virginia Tech’s executive team?
    The executive team of Virginia Tech includes leaders such as James Franklin (Chief Executive Officer), Arush Kumar (Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT)), Mark Hamric (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Virginia Tech have?
    Virginia Tech has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Virginia Tech’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Virginia Tech includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer (CREDIT), Chief Financial Officer, President, Co President.