Ben Grove

Ben Grove is director of development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, where he works with alumni, donors, and partners to strengthen support for the college and its mission. He collaborates with faculty, university leadership, and stakeholders to advance priorities in teaching, research, and Extension.

Over nearly two decades at Virginia Tech, Grove has held leadership roles in development, CALS Global, and Virginia Cooperative Extension. His experience includes fundraising, building strategic partnerships, and supporting international engagement efforts. Before joining Virginia Tech, he worked in the meat and poultry industry.

A three-time Virginia Tech graduate, Grove earned a bachelor's degree in animal and poultry sciences, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in planning, governance, and globalization. He is an alumnus of both the Virginia Agricultural Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) program and the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI). Based in Blacksburg, he is committed to advancing Virginia Tech’s land-grant mission and strengthening the agricultural and natural resources sectors across Virginia and beyond.