Is it truly because we think it truly means something and has tangible value to Tech as a research university? Or are we on this board simply hoping this checks some box so we can keep up with some Big Ten conference requirement? Do any of us think AAU membership moves the needle for Tech or can Tech be just as good or better without AAU?

As for your Land Grant points, the Morrill Act is a good read for understanding the true Land Grant mission as it relates to agricultural education and outreach, mechanical studies, military education and classical studies. Maybe hone in on rural outreach and preparing the future working class. Tech’s Land Grant mission has been significantly altered over the past 30 years. In that regard, “change” hasn’t been kind to rural communities in Virginia that have seen farming steadily falling behind other states in the U.S. But that’s not just a Tech thing, that’s probably happening to 3/4ths of the other Land Grant schools too. It’s great that Tech wants to play in the best sand boxes with other SCHEV peer institutions and hob knob will billionaires, but it would be nice to drive through Southside Virginia and see a tinge of economic prosperity. THAT is where I think Tech can do it’s best as a Land Grant school is promote farming in these economically depressed regions of the state. Not that Tech can solve all of the economically depressed rural area’s problems, but they can certainly help. The only farming I see in Southside now are solar farms that employ very little after being constructed.




[Post edited by Calamitous at 08/13/2021 06:20AM]