VCOM is a non-profit, private 501 c-3 charitable organization initially funded by several foundations that were established by the late Marion Bradley Via to benefit Virginia Tech and Southwest Virginia. Marion Bradley Via’s son, Edward Via, was the person instrumental in approving the dedication of funds to this initiative. John Rocovich Jr, JD, LLM and Sue Ellen Rocovich, DO, PhD were the individuals instrumental in founding the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), laying all the groundwork to establish the College. At the time of initial development, VCOM’s vision was to provide healthcare for Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and the Appalachian Region, and to promote biomedical research with Virginia Tech. In 2001, VCOM hired the late founding President, James Wolfe, PhD (retired emeritus) and the founding Dean, now President and Provost, Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO. This team of individuals developed the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Corporate Research Center of Virginia Tech including facility plans and building, academic program planning, accreditation approvals, and the hiring of the initial faculty and staff. The College opened its doors to the first students in fall of 2003 and graduated the first class in 2007.
