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Kelly Crist

Manager of Faculty & Student Affairs, SPIA
  • Manager of SPIA Faculty and Student Affairs

Kelly Crist is the Manager of Faculty and Student Affairs for the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at Virginia Tech. In this role, she oversees a broad range of faculty and graduate student affairs functions, including faculty processes, graduate program administration, student funding, and academic operations. She also supports school leadership and serves as a resource for students and faculty in navigating university policies, processes, and requirements.

Kelly has more than 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit, and international program administration. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she held positions with the American Seed Trade Association, George Washington University, U.S. Grains Council, and Peace Corps. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Philosophy from Sweet Briar College and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 2022, she received Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies Outstanding Administrative and Professional Faculty/Staff Award.