Executive Summary
In FY2026, the Division of IT brought Virginia Tech’s evolving technology operating model into action. The IT Strategic Plan, realigned organizational structure, and IT governance began working in concert, strengthening the division’s ability to move priorities from planning to implementation.
In the strategic plan’s first year, teams across the division supported 78 active projects across the plan’s five strategic themes, advancing both foundational work and major modernization initiatives.
Major areas of progress highlighted throughout this report include:
Optimizing IT Investments and Partnerships
Working with partners across the university, the division reduced software duplication and unnecessary costs, while expanding shared enterprise solutions and improving how technology is purchased, delivered, and managed. The first IT alignment partnership with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences extended this more-coordinated approach to distributed IT, generating savings; strengthening consistency and cybersecurity protections; and creating capacity for more mission-focused work in the college.
Modernizing Core Systems
The division advanced the Student Information System closer to launch, making significant progress in Virginia Tech’s broader effort to modernize its nearly 30-year-old ERP environment. At the same time, project teams established roadmaps for the future modernization of finance, human resources, research administration, and advancement systems.
Expanding AI Infrastructure and Access
The division expanded Virginia Tech’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities through secure infrastructure, platforms, and services designed for university-wide use. The rollout of HokieAI, suites of AI applications from Google and Microsoft, and customizable access to a variety of large language models from Advanced Research Computing all served to broaden access to advanced tools for AI-enabled teaching, research, and operations. Providing these university-supported platforms also helps promote responsible use and manage costs, while protecting university data and intellectual property.
Strengthening Security and Data Governance
The division continued to strengthen Virginia Tech’s security posture while advancing a more coordinated approach to information security across the university. Progress included completion of a new security and identity strategy aligned with the IT Strategic Plan, stronger authentication and network monitoring, and continued success in engaging faculty and staff in their shared responsibility to protect university systems and data.