Robert Sumichrast

Dr. Robert T. Sumichrast is an academic administrator currently serving as dean of the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Sumichrast received his bachelor's degree in physics from Purdue University in 1979, and his Ph.D. in management science from Clemson University. His research includes numerous publications in some of the leading peer-reviewed research journals in the fields of management science and operations management. Dr. Sumichrast has served as president of the southwestern Virginia chapter of the American Production and Inventory Control Society, and president of the southeastern chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science. He is a member of the board of the Southern Business Administration Association, and is a member of the board of directors of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.^[1]

Academic Career

Virginia Tech

Sumichrast began his career as an assistant professor of management science at Virginia Tech in 1984. After 6 years, he rose to associate professor, and then a professor of management science and information technology in 1996. Sumichrast was named the associate dean of graduate and international programs at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business in 1998.

Louisiana State University

After nearly twenty years at Virginia Tech, Sumichrast left to become the dean of the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University in 2003. During this time Sumichrast expanded their international programs and increased development efforts.

University of Georgia

In 2007, Sumichrast became the dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. During this time Dr. Sumichrast increased research programs, and expanded alumni relations.

Virginia Tech

In 2013, Sumichrast returned^[2] to Virginia Tech to serve as Dean for the Pamplin College of Business.^[3]

Since coming to Virginia Tech, Sumichrast implemented the Innovate Entrepreneurial Living Community, established the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,^[4] and has increased the amount of furniture available in public spaces around Pamplin Hall. In the strategic plans for 2014-2019, Sumichrast laid out the framework for the construction of the Business Learning Community.^[5] The BLC will grow the college’s footprint on campus, while establishing collaborative spaces, growing the three college centers, and developing a residential community.

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