Virginia Tech’s counterintelligence work recognized with federal award

Cattler was joined by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in presenting the award to Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Warner, who shared insights about the current state of national security and the importance of institutions helping prevent potential bad actors.

“Getting our security environment right is extremely important as we face increasingly complex threats from our adversaries,” Warner said. “As chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I’m proud to see Virginia Tech serving as a model for counterintelligence and counter espionage.”

That sentiment was echoed by Sands, who said maintaining strong relations with government agencies was key to the university’s growing global engagement.

“As Virginia Tech grows globally, initiatives like our counterintelligence program help us engage the international community with confidence,” Sands said. “We appreciate our government partners and the exceptional support they’ve provided over the years.”

Sands credited the work of John Talerico, assistant vice president of research security and the university’s chief research security officer, support from the Virgnia Tech Board of Visitors, and a universitywide commitment to service for the milestone achievement.

“Virginia Tech is distinguished by a commitment to our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),” Sands said. “Faculty and student talent come here looking for ways to serve, and serving national security is right at the top of the list.”

Virginia Tech previously received this award, then called the Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence, in 2018 and twice earned the Defense Counterintelligence and Security’s other prestigious award – the James S. Cogswell Award for Outstanding Industrial Security – in 2016 and 2020.

“Very few facilities receive these awards at all, and even fewer receive both. Virginia Tech has received both now twice,” Cattler said. “That’s a clear testament to their dedication and results.”