Ian Farrell has been appointed the assistant vice president of development for colleges at Virginia Tech.

Farrell brings to the position extensive experience in university development and fundraising. Most recently, he served as director of regional development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he assumed responsibility for a major gifts program. He had previously served as senior advancement officer of gift planning at Rensselaer.

"We are pleased to welcome Ian Farrell to our team," said Thim Corvin, senior associate vice president for development and principal gifts. "His background in university development will only strengthen the fundraising efforts of Virginia Tech's eight colleges."

In his new role, Farrell will work with the deans and development officers to establish fundraising plans and implement strategies for each management unit within the colleges. Farrell has a proven record of university fundraising success. During his time at Rensselaer he either personally secured or led team efforts that resulted in nearly $70 million in gift commitments.

"Virginia Tech is a preeminent institution with a longstanding commitment to teaching, research, and community outreach," said Farrell. "I am honored and excited to be joining the university development team, and look forward to working collaboratively and strategically to enhance the development efforts of the university’s colleges."

Farrell earned a bachelor's degree in political science and an MBA from the University of Albany. He has spent the past 13 years working in university fundraising.

"Ian's past experience and vast knowledge of university development and fundraising makes him a wonderful choice for this position," said Elizabeth "Betsy" Flanagan, vice president for development and university relations. "I look forward to working with him as he helps lead the charge that will allow our colleges to continue their fundraising successes."

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

Written by Meghan McDonald
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