Va Tech hires Cincinnati's Babcock as new AD

Published Jan. 24, 2014 7:26 p.m. ET

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BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) Whit Babcock, the athletic director at Cincinnati since October 2011, will be the new AD at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech President Charles Steger made the announcement Friday night.

Babcock, 43, received a five-year contract starting March 1. He replaces Jim Weaver, who retired at the end of year because of health concerns.

''He has substantial experience managing large business enterprises and shown the ability to identify and attract talented coaches and staff,'' Steger said in a release from the school. ''We are also impressed with his ability to engage and energize the fan base.''

Born in Lynchburg, he grew up in Harrisonburg and played baseball at James Madison. He's looking forward to returning to Virginia.

''Working for Virginia Tech is a unique and special opportunity ... an opportunity to come home to Virginia and become part of the Hokie family is truly a dream come true,'' he said in a statement. ''I am anxious to get started in Blacksburg and help build on Virginia Tech's success and upward trajectory.''

Since taking over the AD post at Cincinnati, Babcock has overseen the start of an $86 million renovation and expansion of Nippert Stadium, the Bearcats' home football field, reinstated and enhanced scholarship funding to Olympic sports, and added men's indoor track and field.

He also hired Tommy Tuberville to coach the football team after Butch Jones left for Tennessee.

Other athletic enhancements at Cincinnati under Babcock's leadership included the opening of the $15 million Sheakley Athletics Center as a football practice facility and lacrosse field, and numerous academic programs aimed at enabling Bearcats athletes to have success in the classroom.

Babcock's administrative experience includes serving as executive associate athletic director at Missouri, where he handled external relations and development operations for the department in addition to serving as sport administrator for the men's basketball program. His other stops include serving in a variety of athletic fundraising and marketing leadership roles at West Virginia, James Madison and Auburn.