The Department of Management at Virginia Tech is proud to announce that Ron Poff, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Practice, has been named National President of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE)—the only national co-ed professional fraternity in sales, marketing, and management. In March, Poff was officially installed during the PSE National Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In a speech marked by humility and vision, Poff shared his non-traditional journey, from serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves to spending nearly three decades in industry, to ultimately finding his calling in higher education. He joined Virginia Tech in 2017, where he teaches courses in entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategy and plays a leading role in shaping the department’s academic strategy and first-year experience initiatives. Poff joined Pi Sigma Epsilon as a professional member in 2011 and began serving on the National Council in 2014. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Professional Vice President, Secretary, National Treasurer, and most recently, Executive Vice President.

“This moment is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective dedication and passion that each member brings to our esteemed fraternity,” Poff said in his address. “My path wasn’t paved in straight lines—it was shaped by service, struggle, and the people who believed in the power of second chances and lifelong learning.”

A first-generation college student and proud Hokie, Poff credited PSE with reigniting his passion for learning and leadership. “PSE changed my life,” he emphasized, recounting how a Google search led him to the organization and ultimately back to graduate school, where he earned his master’s degree later in his adult life.

Founded over 70 years ago, PSE has 60,000 alumni members and 3,000 active collegiate members that represent nearly 60 university chapters across the country.

Poff’s vision for Pi Sigma Epsilon is grounded in four strategic initiatives:

Leadership Development, Chapter and Membership Expansion, Alumni Engagement and Digital Storytelling

“We are a fraternity built on the collective wisdom, dedication, and ambition of our members. I did not arrive at this point alone, and I will not lead alone,” Poff said.

This milestone reflects the Department of Management’s continued emphasis on leadership, industry engagement, and professional excellence. Ron Poff’s appointment as National President of Pi Sigma Epsilon is not only a recognition of his passion for service and leadership —it reflects the values he embodies every day at Virginia Tech.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Ron Poff on this tremendous honor and national leadership role.

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