BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech’s incoming president, Richard Linton, is promising to increase the number of construction cranes on campus by 300% as part of an effort to accelerate construction and expand the university’s physical footprint.
Linton announced the goal Friday, saying the dramatic increase in cranes would help Virginia Tech move more quickly on construction projects across its Blacksburg campus.
The proposal comes just days after the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors appointed Linton as the university’s 17th president. Linton, a three-time Virginia Tech alumnus and the current president of Kansas State University, is set to succeed Tim Sands at the beginning of the spring semester.
A 300% increase would mean quadrupling the current number of cranes on campus. It was not immediately clear how many cranes are currently operating at Virginia Tech, how quickly the university intends to reach the target or which projects would account for the additional equipment.
The announcement signals that campus construction could become an early priority for Linton’s administration. Virginia Tech has undertaken a number of major capital projects in recent years, including new academic facilities, renovations and other infrastructure investments.
Linton’s background also includes overseeing institutional growth at Kansas State. Virginia Tech cited increases in enrollment, research activity and fundraising during his tenure there when announcing his appointment.
Questions remain about the cost and timetable of the proposed crane increase, as well as whether the university would need to accelerate existing projects or launch additional construction to meet the target.
Linton will officially take office at the start of the spring 2027 semester.