BLACKSBURG - In a continuing effort to enhance the student-athlete development program at Virginia Tech, Director of Athletics Whit Babcock announced Friday two promotions within the department, as Reyna Gilbert-Lowry has been named associate athletic director of student-athlete development while Danny White moves into the role of assistant athletic director in the same office.

In their new roles with the newly restructured department to be known as the Office of Student-Athlete Development, Gilbert-Lowry and White will help to provide programming and support for all Virginia Tech student-athletes to ensure the optimal experience on and off the field of competition. The department will focus on the total development of Tech’s student-athletes, provide outstanding support services and recognize their changing needs. In fulfilling that charge, by the time they are finishing their college careers, they will be adequately prepared to go confidently into the work force having gained invaluable experiences through the unique privilege of being a collegiate athlete at one of the premier institutions in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce these internal promotions for Reyna and Danny,” Babcock said. “It did not take me long to realize how talented they were as administrators, and how much they truly care about the overall development of our student-athletes in all facets. They are both former intercollegiate student-athletes themselves and they believe in, and exemplify, the core values of Virginia Tech. Both have earned this increase in responsibility, and they will make the Hokies better. They have my full confidence and trust as valued members of our leadership team moving forward.”

Reyna Gilbert-Lowry, who has been on the Tech staff since 2008, spent the previous six years as the assistant athletics director for student life, developing programs geared to enhance student-athletes’ personal growth, leadership and character development, professional development and community outreach endeavors. She coordinated each team’s philanthropic projects, working with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and nominated student-athletes for academic awards. She also helped plan and direct the annual Athletics Director’s Honors Breakfast and the All-Sports Banquet on an annual basis.

“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to serve the student-athletes and coaches of Virginia Tech in this new capacity,” Gilbert-Lowry said. “This opportunity is a testament to the commitment Whit has made to developing the total student-athlete and putting their well-being first. Our staff will continue to work to meet the needs of our athletes and continue to set high standards for their success. I am proud of how much our program has grown and the support we continue to receive from the coaches and administration as we invest in the comprehensive development of our 549 student-athletes competing on 22 varsity teams.”

Prior to Virginia Tech, Gilbert-Lowry served as the compliance coordinator and CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 2005, she was also the coordinator of athletic academic services. Gilbert-Lowry served as an academic advisor at the University of Central Florida before her time at NSU.

A native of Orlando, Florida, Gilbert-Lowry competed on the gymnastics team at Northern Illinois University, graduating in 2001 with a degree in psychology. She earned her master’s degree from Ball State University in 2004 in sport and exercise psychology with a minor in counseling.

Danny White has been on the staff at Virginia Tech since 2007 and spent the first four years as the coordinator of student life before becoming the director of student-athlete affairs in 2011. In both positions, White coordinated student-athlete leadership development, career development and community outreach and service. He also has worked with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and coordinates the annual Athletics Director’s Honors Breakfast and All-Sports Banquet. Since 2012, White has led Virginia Tech student-athletes annually to the Dominican Republic, focusing on international service, leadership and sports as a development tool. Prior to beginning work in the department, White worked on the campus staff with Athletes In Action.

“I am certainly grateful for this opportunity to continue working alongside our student-athletes, coaches and staff in an enhanced capacity,” White said. “It is an honor to work for a department and university so keenly focused on serving our communities and students, and I’m thankful to be a part of the team and Hokie Nation.”

Born in Dallas, Texas, White was a team captain of the men’s swimming team at the University of South Carolina, graduating in 2001 with a degree in finance. He earned his master’s degree from Virginia Tech in 2008 in education and is pursuing a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech in policy, governance and globalization.

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