University in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Julian Ashby Burruss

(1876-1947)

— President 1919-1945 —

Julian Ashby Burruss Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

1. Julian Ashby Burruss Marker

Inscription. The first alumnus president, Julian Ashby Burruss guided VPI through tremendous increases in faculty, student body, and degree offerings; vast growth in the physical plant; and efficient changes in administrative structure. He successfully pushed to admit women and shortened the military requirement to two years, setting the stage for a larger civilian student body during his tenure. Radford College became the women's division of VPI.

Erected by VPI Class of 1953.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women.

Location. 37° 13.707′ N, 80° 25.379′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in University. It is on Drillfield Drive ¼ mile east of Greenhouse Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia,

in the Blue Ridge Highlands,

and in the New River Gorge.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: April 16th Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Time Capsule (within shouting distance of this marker); William Bradford Alwood (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alwood Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl Bertram Norris (about

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300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William MacFarland Patton (about 300 feet away); John Edward Williams (about 500 feet away); John William Hancock Jr. (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.

Also see . . . Burruss Hall | VA Tech. (Submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia.)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 3, 2011

2. Julian Ashby Burruss Marker

Burruss Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

3. Burruss Hall

Entrance to Burruss Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

4. Entrance to Burruss Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,057 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 5, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.