Virginia Tech counts on Taylor

Virginia Tech has named G. Don Taylor (pictured), previously vice-provost for learning systems innovation and effectiveness, as its interim vice-president for research and innovation.
The appointment will become effective on July 15, with Taylor replacing Theresa Mayer, who has joined Purdue University as executive vice-president for research and partnerships.
Taylor, who is also Charles O. Gordon professor of industrial and systems at engineering in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, will report in his new role to Virginia Tech’s executive vice-president and provost, Cyril Clarke.
He is expected to provide experienced leadership in support of Virginia Tech’s Office of Research and Innovation as the department begins an international search for Mayer’s permanent replacement in autumn 2019.
Taylor will liaise closely with Virginia Tech’s leadership and faculty members to supervise the university’s academic tech transfer strategy.
He will also oversee Virginia Tech’s approach to stimulating cultures of entrepreneurship and innovation, growing commercialisation opportunities and building links to its corporate and foundation partners.
Taylor joined Virginia Tech as a faculty member in 2004. He led the Grado department of industrial and systems engineering from 2004 until 2016, before becoming interim dean of the College of Engineering in 2016 and then vice-provost for learning systems, innovation and effectiveness the following year.
Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Taylor worked for University of Louisville as Mary Lee and George F. Duthie endowed chair in engineering logistics, and as director of multi-university collaboration Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has selected Catherine Amelink to replace Taylor as the acting vice-provost of learning systems, innovation and effectiveness, with Amelink having previously been assistant vice-provost of the department.
– Image courtesy of Virginia Tech