BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) -- Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors has confirmed Richard Linton as the university's 17th president starting in the spring semester. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14. Linton is the current president of Kansas State University, a role he has held since 2022. A Hokie himself, Linton has earned three degrees from Virginia Tech. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in food science and a Ph.D. in food science, according to his current profile at the university. Linton will assume office at the beginning of the spring semester. “My 40-year journey in the land-grant system began at Virginia Tech,” said Linton. “Having earned three degrees here, the opportunity to return home and serve as president of my alma mater is a true honor.” Former Virginia Tech president Tim Sands announced his plans to step down from the position in April once a suitable successor was named. He assumed the role in 2014. Gov. Abigail Spanberger congratulated Linton in a statement to the press. “I look forward to working with Dr. Linton to make sure Virginia Tech receives the support it needs from the state as we focus on preparing students from across the Commonwealth for lifelong success... and I am confident that Dr. Linton’s leadership will help propel the university to even greater heights," her statement reads in part. She also commended outgoing president Tim Sands on his dedication to the Virginia Tech community and extended her gratitude to his "steadfast commitment to serving students, faculty and the broader Blacksburg community." "His years of service have left a lasting, positive mark on the university and the Commonwealth as a whole," Spanberger said in the statement. ...read more read less