Elizabeth McClanahan serves as the CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and the President of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Before joining Virginia Tech, she spent eight years as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia and held the roles of President and Dean at the Appalachian School of Law in Buchanan Co, Virginia. Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree from William & Mary and her law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. She grew up in Buchanan County, Virginia.

1. What is your proudest accomplishment over the course of your career?

For me, the greatest source of satisfaction has been seeing the students, law clerks, and interns achieve their dreams. My teaching journey began with Southwest Virginia Community College and later Wake Forest University in the Summer Management Program. More than 100 law students were part of my experience with the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Today, I teach a Business Law Class for Entrepreneurs at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business. Supporting and mentoring students is deeply fulfilling because witnessing their journeys through education and experience is satisfying. 

2. What do you enjoy most about your roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation and President of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center?

Virginia Tech holds a special place in my heart.  My mother was the leader of a Homemaker’s Extension Club, sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension.  Throughout my childhood, I went to 4-H Camp and I spent summers in Blacksburg participating in 4-H activities. My father took me to Virginia Tech football games. This deep connection to the university has been constant throughout my life, and now I’m thrilled to be a part of it in such a meaningful way.  It is incredibly special to serve.

The purpose of our work at Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Inc., is to advance the impact of Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech faculty are leaders in their fields, and as I like to say, the Foundation is "the wind beneath the wings of the Hokie Bird." Supporting the faculty and administration is strategically important for the Foundation and VTCRC. And as a big Hokie fan, I am enjoying the ability to attend as many athletic events as I can.

3. What projects are you currently working on at Virginia Tech?

At the Foundation, our job is to orchestrate the growth and maximize the impact of Virginia Tech’s assets to help the university achieve its aspiration for educational and research goals. Right now, we are working on aligning the work of the Corporate Research Center with Virginia Tech Innovation and Partnerships. It’s an exciting project that involves not just collaboration but integrating the missions of both organizations to further their collective impact. We are creating a framework and new model to expand Virginia Tech’s impact across innovation, partnerships, and enterprise growth.

4. What is your favorite part of being a member of CECE’s advisory board?

Growing up in a rural area, I pay close attention to CECE’s work across Virginia. It is a pleasure to serve as an advisor to this effort. CECE projects such as Careers in Aquaculture and the Virginia Peninsula Innovation District report exemplify Virginia Tech’s reach through its land-grant designation.  

5. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Early in my legal career, my first boss asked me, after reviewing my academic, lengthy analysis of a legal issue: “What’s the bottom line?” This question was invaluable because it reminded me of the purpose of the legal role. It also reminded me to focus on the core issue and communicate clearly. Later on, I received this bit of wisdom from a federal judge: “There’s no pancake so thin that it doesn’t have two sides.” It’s a reminder to always consider multiple perspectives.

6. What is the most memorable place you have ever visited?

One of my favorite places is the Breaks Interstate Park, located in southwestern Virginia and southeastern Kentucky. It’s a stunning location, with the beautiful Towers Overlook offering breathtaking views. The park is also home to elk and offers some excellent whitewater rafting, making it a memorable and scenic destination. As a daughter of Virginia’s Great Southwest, a visit to Breaks Interstate Park is a reminder of the beauty that abounds in the region.