Virginia Tech’s financial planning program, designed for students interested in a career in financial planning and wealth management for individuals, was consolidated in Pamplin this summer after almost a decade of being jointly administered by Pamplin and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The program prepares graduates to earn the Certified Financial Planner® certification and become leaders in the profession. The CFP® is the most widely recognized professional designation within the financial planning profession.

“We consolidated the program in Pamplin to more efficiently handle its growth,” said program director and professor Ruth Lytton. She added that the change will not affect the program’s course offerings, management, or relationship to the CFP® board.

The program is nationally recognized for its teaching and advising strengths, placement and alumni achievements, and active student Financial Planning Association (FPA) group.

Citing some of the program’s recent distinctions, Lytton noted that three of its graduates, all under age 30, were named to Investment News’ “40 Under 40” list of up-and-coming financial professionals in 2015 and 2016.

Program graduates are also sought after by the industry’s leading firms, many of which have hired multiple alumni as the firms have grown.

Numerous graduates, she said, are active in the profession, serving in various leadership roles in FPA chapters, including its national NextGen community, for members age 36 and under.

“The 2016, 2017, and just elected 2018 NexGen presidents are all Hokies,” Lytton said, adding that 14 Virginia Tech graduates participated in this summer’s NexGen gathering, more than any other school.

Ten students and more than 20 alumni participated in the recent national FPA conference, an indication of the program’s philosophy of professional excellence and leadership, Lytton said.

Students will participate in two other national conferences this fall, including the Schwab IMPACT Conference for financial advisors who work with the Charles Schwab Corporation to serve their clients’ investment needs.