$10 Million Surprise: How This Gift Will Revolutionize Data Science at Virginia Tech!

Cathie Woteki, an esteemed figure in the fields of agriculture, food, nutrition, and science policy, has long been recognized for her contributions to understanding and improving public health. Graduating with a double major in chemistry and biological sciences from the University of Mary Washington in 1969, Woteki continued her academic journey at Virginia Tech, where she earned both her master’s in human nutrition and foods in 1972 and her Ph.D. in the same field in 1975.

Woteki's expertise has not only made her a respected educator but also a significant player in federal policy. She served on the 30-member Council of Advisors on Science and Technology under President Joe Biden and is a distinguished member of the National Academy of Medicine. Her experience includes a pivotal role during the Obama-Biden administration, where she was appointed chief scientist and undersecretary for research, education, and economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this capacity, she oversaw critical divisions such as the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Throughout her career, Woteki has held numerous esteemed positions, including the USDA’s first undersecretary of food safety and dean of Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She has also contributed as the director of Iowa State’s Agriculture Experiment Station and as a visiting distinguished institute professor at the University of Virginia’s Biocomplexity Institute.

In recognition of her contributions to both education and agriculture, Woteki was inducted into the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Hall of Fame in 2023. Reflecting on her time at Virginia Tech, she stated, “We both have benefited so much from the fabulous grounding that we got as students at Virginia Tech. So being able to help to create similar conditions for faculty and students at Tech was one of our main motivations for making this gift.” Her and her husband Tom's recent philanthropic efforts aim to enhance research and educational opportunities at the university.

Woteki emphasized the importance of providing flexibility in funding for the deans of both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Science. She noted, “I’ve spent time as a college dean myself and know how valuable it is to be able to attract and retain outstanding faculty. In any field — including those in science as well as in agriculture and life sciences — being able to make data-informed decisions is critical.”

Dean Mario Ferruzzi of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences echoed her sentiments, stating that the Wotekis’ contributions would significantly advance cutting-edge research and graduate education. This initiative aligns with Virginia Tech's broader goal, known as Virginia Tech Global Distinction, which seeks to elevate the university’s standing in various research fields. “Today’s tools for data analysis are transforming the way we farm, produce, and deliver safe and nutritious food to consumers with the goal of enhancing the health of our communities,” Ferruzzi said.

Tom Woteki, who retired from Virginia Tech in June 2025 after leading the Academy of Data Science within the College of Science, expressed his optimism about the future of data-driven research. He explained, “Science has always been data-driven, but what’s happening now is there’s an explosion of data to where any researcher, no matter what field, should be familiar with the tools and techniques of analyzing data, including the limits and ethics.” He hopes their gift will position Virginia Tech as a leader in data-driven innovation and collaboration.

He added, “The goal is creating a community, a convergence that brings together disciplines of mathematics, statistics, and computer science as a foundation but puts all those tools into use in a way that can advance any particular discipline.”

Dean Kevin Pitts of the College of Science shared this enthusiasm, noting that the Wotekis’ generosity would transform research capabilities at the university. “This gift will transform what is possible for us to achieve through the collaborative efforts underway within the Academy of Data Science and across Virginia Tech,” Pitts said. He emphasized that Tom’s work as director had helped lay the groundwork for these initiatives, and with their philanthropy, they are pushing the process forward in an extraordinary way.

In a world increasingly driven by data, Woteki's vision and commitment to fostering research that is not only innovative but also deeply impactful will resonate within the halls of Virginia Tech and beyond, ensuring that future leaders and policymakers are equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of agriculture, food, and health.