Va. Tech’s College of Business dean to retire

Robert T. Sumichrast, the Richard E. Sorensen Chair and dean of Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business since 2013, announced his retirement Tuesday.

Sumichrast will stay through the end of the current academic year. Virginia Tech will start an international search for his successor this fall.

He began his academic career as an assistant professor at Virginia Tech in 1984. Sumichrast launched the nation’s first executive Ph.D. program, created the online MBA program and expanded the master of information technology program, in partnership with the College of Engineering.

“Dr. Sumichrast dedicated nearly three decades to Virginia Tech as an instructor, administrator, and exceptional leader,” Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said in a statement. “During his tenure, the Pamplin College of Business has significantly advanced its student experience, research productivity, and the engagement of alumni and the business community. The university greatly appreciates his exceptional service.”

In 2003, Sumichrast left Virginia Tech to become the dean of the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University and in 2007, he was named the dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.

He has sat on various boards over the years, including the Association to Advance College Schools of Business, for which he served as secretary-treasurer.