Steve Rideout M.S. ’98, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in agricultural research, Extension leadership, and student engagement, has been appointed as the new director of Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology Program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Rideout, who will assume his new role on December 25, brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep-rooted connection to the agricultural community, having grown up on his family’s farm in Dinwiddie County.
Rideout’s journey at Virginia Tech began in 2005 when he joined as an assistant professor and Extension specialist at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center. He later served as the center’s director from 2010 to 2020, where he spearheaded applied research and Extension programs focused on crop disease management and grower education. His extensive experience and commitment to the agricultural sector make him an ideal candidate to lead the Agricultural Technology Program.
In his new position, Rideout is eager to expand student recruitment and enhance engagement with the program’s alumni community. “I’m looking forward to working with our wonderful faculty within the Ag Tech Program and identifying potential areas of growth,” he said. “I think finding novel opportunities to recruit new students is something that we all are going to focus on. I am also excited to get to know our terrific network of alumni throughout the commonwealth and beyond.”
The Agricultural Technology Program, established in 1987, holds a unique position within the college’s academic portfolio as the university’s only associate degree offering. The program provides a hands-on, career-focused education that prepares graduates for roles in applied agricultural management, livestock production, crop production, agribusiness management, and landscape and turf management. With over 2,500 alumni, many of whom now hold leadership positions across the sector, the program has a proven track record of success.
Rideout has been team-teaching Pest Management in the program since 2020, giving him a firsthand view of its impact. “Through teaching in the program for the last five years, I have realized how important a role it plays within our agricultural communities,” he said. “It offers an opportunity for students to receive a hands-on, practical agricultural education. In addition, many ag tech students transfer into our four-year degree offerings, so it serves as a gateway for certain students to a bachelor’s degree.”
Rideout succeeds Susan Sumner, who has led the program since 2020. Under her leadership, the program expanded experiential learning opportunities and deepened relationships with employers and community partners. Rideout credits Sumner with being a steady hand who vastly strengthened agricultural technology’s presence in Virginia despite challenging circumstances. “Susan was instrumental in guiding the program through the COVID pandemic and has built a terrific team of faculty members dedicated to their students,” he said. “It will be an honor to work with her and the team on further advancing Ag Tech.”
As the Agricultural Technology Program prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, Rideout’s appointment signals a promising future. With support from community partners, faculty, and alumni, the program is poised to continue growing and enhancing the availability of agricultural education to students in Virginia well into the future.
Rideout’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in plant pathology from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor’s degree in botany from North Carolina State University. His extensive background and passion for agriculture make him well-equipped to lead the program into its next chapter.