Sumichrast was named the associate dean of graduate and international programs at Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business in 1998.
During this time Dr. Sumichrast increased research programs, expanded alumni relations, and led efforts to fund a new classroom building and meeting space.
[7] Since coming to Virginia Tech, Sumichrast implemented the Innovate Entrepreneurial Living Community, established the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,[8] increased the amount of furniture available in public spaces around Pamplin Hall, and managed the college's response to controversies surrounding the Finance Department's BB&T Distinguished Lecture Series.
Addressing protestors' concerns, he transferred responsibility for speaker invitations from finance professor and program director Douglas Patterson to a newly formed committee, hosted a two-hour Teach In with students and faculty members, and arranged for a publicly funded counter-lecture.
[14] In May 2016, Sumichrast's statements concerning an alleged speaking invitation and disinvitation to Manhattan Institute senior fellow and Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Riley garnered controversy.