Contract extended until 2029 for Virginia Tech athletics director Whit Babcock

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia Tech announced Monday morning that the contract for Whit Babcock, the director of athletics who was appointed in January 2014, has been extended by five years through June 2029.

During Babcock’s tenure, the university says he has continued to make a mark on all facets of the Tech Athletics, such as academic and athletic accomplishment, fan engagement, facilities improvements, fundraising, and successful coaching hires.

“Whit Babcock and his roster of talented coaches have done an outstanding job, creating memorable moments for our students, alumni, and fans, and making the student-athlete experience their top priority,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “Whit and his leadership team have the right long-term vision and have demonstrated their ability to manage the rapidly changing landscape in collegiate athletics. I look forward to continuing our collective efforts on behalf of Virginia Tech.”

According to school officials, Babcock helped guide Tech Athletics through a turbulent period in college athletics as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted lives, families, and economies worldwide during the 2020-2021 school year.

In fact, despite the unprecedented challenges, the Hokies produced some of the most impressive collective results in school history through the collective effort of Virginia Tech coaches, student-athletes, and staff.

“During the interview process nearly eight years ago, I shared with the selection committee that Virginia Tech was the best job in the country,” Babcock said. “That sentiment hasn’t changed, my connection to Tech and Blacksburg has gotten even stronger. I’m honored to be a Hokie, there’s nowhere I’d rather be, this is my home. I’m thrilled to work for Dr. Sands and our Board of Visitors. Our alignment is strong and we are just starting to hit our stride and achieve at never-before-achieved levels. Our success starts with our head coaches and the talented student-athletes they are able to recruit. This is collectively the best group of coaches and athletic administrators that I’ve ever worked with in my career. I’m thankful for all of them and it speaks to what we can achieve when we all work together as Hokies.”

In addition, during Babcock’s tenure, a number of major facilities projects were transformed from vision into reality. 

The Harrisonburg native has also received national recognition for his work at Virginia Tech, such as being named No. 9 athletic director in the country by Stadium in June 2020.

For a full description of all the athletic, academic, facility, and fundraising achievements at Tech Athletics under Babcock’s tenure, click here.