Chris Wise, director of recreational sports at Virginia Tech, has been named assistant vice president for student affairs after a competitive national search process.   

In his new position, Wise will provide leadership for five departments focused on health and wellness. 

“Recreational Sports is a highly successful department within the university and Chris will bring this same excellent leadership to his position as assistant vice president,” said Patty Perillo, vice president for student affairs.  “He will advance the work of health and wellness by emphasizing a stronger wellness culture within the university community.”

“He does a masterful job of building and inspiring teams and has an exceptional record of establishing effective working relationships across campus with administrators, faculty, staff and students alike,” said Perillo. 

When he moves into his new position August 10, Wise will oversee the operations of Schiffert Health Center, Cook Counseling Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, Health Education and Student Well-Being, and Recreational Sports. 

 “I’m pleased to have an opportunity to lead this team focused on wellness,” Wise said. “I look forward to finding new and innovative ways to make wellness an everyday topic and experience throughout campus.”

Wise began his work at Virginia Tech in 1987 as a graduate student and never left.  Over the past 28 years he has worked his way from graduate assistant to director of recreational sports. He has been serving as a director in the division of student affairs for the past 8 years. As such, he has been a part of the divisional leadership team for nearly a decade and will now join the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Council.   

He received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Newberry College and a master’s degree in sports management at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech was recently named the fittest college in America by The Active Times. The rankings were based on fitness and wellness factors, including athletic facilities, team sports participation, campus dining and overall quality of student life.

“Our environment promotes activeness, be it physical activity, sustainable initiatives, or group dynamics,” said Wise. “Through that culture our students are aware of the importance of their overall health and wellness. As I more actively work with other health and wellness areas, I hope to increase our impact on students’ well-being.”

Wise has appointed Ali Cross as interim director of recreational sports. Cross currently serves as associate director. 

 

 

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