Melinda West has been named associate vice president for finance and university controller following a national search.

West, who served in the role on an interim basis since May 2020, will lead the university’s financial and accounting operations, which include the general accounting, financial reporting, fixed assets and equipment inventory services, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bursar, and risk management units.

She will also oversee the development of financial policies and procedures, fostering of strong university partnerships and collaboration, enhancements to university business processes, and other strategic initiatives within the Division of Finance.

“I am honored to serve the university and continue working with the exceptional teams in finance operations,” West said. “With a commitment to excellence in operations and customer service, adding value, and implementing solutions that build capacity, I am excited about the projects we have underway to streamline administrative activities. I look forward to serving and working with the university community.”

West brings 25 years of Virginia Tech service and partnership to the position. From 2010-2020, West served as university bursar, a role in which she prioritized collaboration with the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid, Housing and Residence Life, and other university entities to better serve students and families. West oversaw the operation of billing, collections, and accounting functions for Student Accounts and other university receivables and related revenues. Her office was also responsible for managing the cash receipts system, university banking relationships, and overseeing Virginia Tech’s compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

“Melinda has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and outstanding partnership throughout her distinguished career,” said Ken Miller, vice president for finance. “She has built a work culture characterized by excellent customer service, strong relationships with colleagues, and solutions-oriented thinking for tomorrow’s challenges. I know she will bring that same focus and commitment to this critically important role as the university works together toward its Beyond Boundaries vision.”

West is a certified public accountant and previously served as an auditor with the Commonwealth of Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts. West received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Radford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University.  

“Melinda’s long-term efforts in pursuit of continuous improvement within the Division of Finance are deeply valued,” said Dwayne Pinkney, senior vice president and chief business officer. “The comprehensive experiences in financial management at Virginia Tech and enduring commitment to institutional excellence and innovation she brings as university controller are second-to-none.”

West originally joined Virginia Tech in 1996 and held roles with the office of the university bursar, internal audit, and vice president for finance prior to her 2010 appointment as university bursar.

She and her husband David reside on a small beef cattle farm in Floyd County and are proud parents of a 2020 Virginia Tech graduate. 

Share this story