Laura Townsend
Laura Townsend is an academic professional with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community building. In her current role as the Director of Innovative Partnerships at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC), she plays a pivotal role in advancing the center's mission of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the region. Laura's multifaceted responsibilities include leading community building efforts, creating collaborative programs, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders.
Before her current position, Laura served as the Director of the Innovate Entrepreneurship Living-Learning Community (LLC) under the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Innovate brought together a diverse group of students into a high-energy, experience-driven, learning environment, where students gained insights into the entrepreneurial process, interacted with successful entrepreneurs, and learned from Virginia Tech faculty and community partners with expertise in developing entrepreneurial skills.
In addition to her role at the VTCRC and her prior position with Innovate, Laura is also an instructor at the Pamplin College of Business, where she teaches leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and human resource management. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship complements her work in the entrepreneurial and innovation sectors.
Laura's journey is marked by a commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and community growth. With a background in business management and a track record of successful program development, she is a dedicated advocate for diverse and innovative approaches to entrepreneurship. In the free time she has, she pursues entrepreneurial endeavors, is an avid reader, aspiring writer, amateur decorator, complacent housekeeper, reluctant cook, Uber driver/activity coordinator to four sons, and wife of a professor (25 years). Laura is a native of Austin, TX, and currently resides in Blacksburg with her husband, four boys, and two dogs.