School of Packaging Director Candidate #2 Seminar - Dr. Laszlo Horvath
January 27, 2026 10:00AM - 11:30AM
School of Packaging Room 100 or Zoom
Public Seminar, SoP Director Position #1082263.
A Vision for the Next Phase of the School of Packaging
Dr. Laszlo Horvath
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 10:00 am EST
In Person at:
448 Wilson Rd., Room 100
School of Packaging, MSU
Online Attendance: MSU ZOOM
This presentation articulates a clear, achievable vision for the next phase of the School of Packaging—one that builds on its historic strengths while positioning the school to lead the discipline nationally and globally. It identifies first-year priorities centered on listening alignment, and execution, including faculty support, curriculum relevance, and operational effectiveness. The presentation outlines a holistic, five-year approach that integrates education, research, administrative processes, and external engagement, illustrated through concrete examples drawn from the candidate’s fifteen years of leadership experience. It also presents strategies to advance Packaging 2.0 through targeted investment into faculty, staff, and facilities, increased industry collaboration, and alumni engagement.
The overarching message is that the School of Packaging can define what packaging innovation means for the next generation—by setting the benchmark for education, research, and industry impact rather than following it.
Short Biography: Dr. Laszlo Horvath is a Professor at the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech. He currently serves as Interim Department Head providing strategic leadership for 18 faculty and 5 staff while overseeing academic operations, budgeting, and external engagement. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Biomaterials Science and a dual M.S. degree in Engineering Management and Wood Engineering.
Dr. Horvath has 15 years of leadership experience as Director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design, which he grew into a nationally recognized applied research and industry partnership hub. He is a co-founder of Virginia Tech’s packaging program and led its development into a comprehensive academic and workforce pipeline. Under his leadership, the Center’s industry engagement increased more than 600%, exceeding $1 million annually, while generating $7.5 million in research funding and securing $23 million in cash and in-kind support. He provides national and international leadership through chairing ASTM, ANSI, and ISO standards committees. Dr. Horvath holds both the Certified Packaging Professional (IoPP) and Packaging Dynamics Professional (ISTA) credentials.
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