Amazon’s decision in November to locate one of its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, was based in part on Virginia Tech’s track record of molding future leaders, thinkers, and innovators with educational depth complemented by interdisciplinary know-how.

An initial focus of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, to be located less than two miles from Amazon’s new site, will be on computer science education to meet growing industry demands. Yet humanities and social sciences will play key roles as well.

“The Innovation Campus is happening as we are launching the ‘Tech for Humanity’ initiative,” said Sylvester Johnson, director of the Center for Humanities. “This university-wide initiative focuses on human-centered approaches to technology, because technology must be guided by human interests, and one of Virginia Tech’s goals is to serve humanity.

“In an age of big data, Virginia Tech is delivering big humanities—humanistic approaches that support a comprehensive university.”