Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG — After nearly four decades of dedicated service to Virginia Tech Athletics and the Hokie Club, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts David Everett will retire June 30, 2026.
Everett’s retirement marks the close of a 38-year run with Virginia Tech Athletics that began as a student-athlete and evolved into one of the department’s most impactful and respected fundraising careers.
“David’s impact on Virginia Tech Athletics cannot be measured simply in dollars raised,” said Director of Athletics Whit Babcock. “For nearly four decades, he has represented this department with integrity, consistency, loyalty and a genuine passion for serving Virginia Tech and the Hokie Club. The relationships he built and the trust he earned throughout Hokie Nation have left a lasting mark on our department.”
A native of Emporia, Virginia, Everett first arrived in Blacksburg as a football student-athlete, playing under former head coach Bill Dooley before concluding his career under legendary coach Frank Beamer during Beamer’s first season at Virginia Tech. Everett lettered from 1985-87 and served as the starting wingback on the Hokies’ memorable 1986 Peach Bowl championship team that defeated NC State, 25-24.
“Fortunately, I had the opportunity to coach David and work with him during his time at Virginia Tech,” former Hokies head football coach Frank Beamer pointed out. “David is a proud Hokie through and through, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Following his graduation from Virginia Tech in 1988 with a degree in finance, Everett immediately joined the former Virginia Tech Student Aid Association as assistant director of field services. He later served as athletic development manager before transitioning to the university side as director of development for Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business from 1996-99, helping lead a successful $30 million campaign during the university’s comprehensive fundraising effort.
Everett returned to athletics in 1999 and has since served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts, where he has played a critical role in identifying, cultivating and stewarding philanthropic support for Virginia Tech Athletics and the Hokie Club. Throughout his tenure, Everett has helped advance some of the most significant capital projects in department history, working alongside donors, university partners and colleagues to secure support for transformative facility enhancements.
As part of a collective team effort, Everett played a key role in every athletics and university capital campaign during his career, helping generate support for projects that reshaped the landscape of Virginia Tech Athletics. His contributions were instrumental in the development and expansion of facilities across football, basketball and golf, as well as student-athlete performance and training spaces that continue to elevate the student-athlete experience and position the Hokies for long-term success.
Everett contributed significantly to the department’s Reach for Excellence campaign, which recently surpassed its historic $400 million milestone in support of facilities, scholarships and the overall student-athlete experience.
“David was the consummate professional and an exceptional fundraiser throughout his time with the Hokie Club,” former senior director of development Lu Merritt said. “We worked closely together for 21 years, and I always appreciated his leadership, passion and commitment to Virginia Tech. Through his work across Hokie Nation, David built meaningful relationships and helped elevate the Hokie Club in impactful ways. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him.”
Known for his humility, consistency and unwavering commitment to Virginia Tech, Everett also served as a key liaison for the Richmond Hokie Club and maintained strong relationships with alumni and supporters throughout Hokie Nation.
“Virginia Tech has meant so much to me and my family,” Everett said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend my career serving this university, working alongside outstanding colleagues and building relationships with so many generous Hokies. It has truly been an honor.”
Everett and his wife, Lynn, reside in Blacksburg and have two daughters, Kat and Jane, two sons-in-law, Dakota and Michael, and two grandchildren, Emmy Jane and Ben.