Celebrating our Veteran Graduate Students

What does it mean to be a graduate student veteran at Virginia Tech?

Our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), sets Virginia Tech apart from other graduate schools that I considered.  I’m proud to be a part of a school with solid camaraderie, rich traditions, and noble heritage. VT is a school where I genuinely feel at home because of the sense of purpose, community, and pride in being a Hokie that is apparent in everyone, everywhere, and anytime.

• Degree in progress: Master of Public Administration
• Department: College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Public Administration and Policy
• Campus: Arlington

The honor of serving our nation to ensure ALL Americans can live a safe, wholesome life and give back to other countries in need provides excellent energy and worth to me. Now in the graduate program at Virginia Tech, I sincerely love the motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Serving our nation, friends, and community is essential to living a meaningful life.

• Degree in progress: Master of Information Technology (MIT) program
• Department: College of Engineering and Pamplin College of Business
• Campus: Northern Virginia Center

As a veteran, it's great to be associated with an institution that has a long military history. Graduate research is challenging, but the professors and student peers at Virginia Tech provide me similar camaraderie that I had in the military. Teamwork is very important to me, and the Virginia Tech community has been incredibly accepting and supportive during my time as a graduate student!

• Degree In Progress: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Campus: Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington

I served in the U.S. Navy from 1993-1998, and was fortunate to spend two of those years stationed aboard the same ship as my father.  Being a graduate student at Virginia Tech means everything to me.  I moved to Virginia when I was 14 years old and made my first trip to Blacksburg that Fall to watch the Hokies play Kentucky.  Tech won the game on a last second FG by Chris Kinzer and Lane stadium was electric.  I love the campus and Blacksburg and try to get back every so often.  Education became a focal point for me later in life; I have two degrees from Liberty University (2014 & 2018) and decided to apply to grad school on a lark, hoping to actually become a Hokie and not just a fan of the university.  Thankfully I was accepted, and after this semester I only have two classes left.  

• Degree in progress: Master of Information Technology (MIT) program
• Department: Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Pamplin College of Business
• Campus: Northern Virginia Center

• Degree in progress: Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
• Department: Pamplin College of Business
• Campus: Virginia Tech Research Center - Arlington 

To be a Veteran graduate student at Virginia Tech means to continue the mission to serve by taking on the necessary challenges to empower others. Leadership instilled by Military Service and Professional Education make a solid combination to accelerate meaningful impact in society. Additionally, it enhances the sense of comradery and responsibility to share and promote professional growth among the Veteran community. Semper Fi!

• Degree in progress: PhD
• Department: Science and Technology Studies
• Campus: Northern Virginia Center

I proudly served for 30 years in the Army and am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the Science and Technology Studies program at Virginia Tech.  What I have learned in this program I am applying in my second career educating senior military and government leaders to cope with the challenges of the cyber and information environment.  Service and learning are both a privilege and a lifelong pursuit that enrich both the individual and our communities.

• Degree in progress: Executive Masters of Business Administration
• Department: Pamplin Business
• Campus: Virginia Tech Research Center, Arlington, VA

I am a Hokie Naval ROTC Mechanical Engineering graduate who served 4 years in the US Navy and jumped into the industrial sales realm, back at Virginia Tech for the Executive MBA program. The culture of service to our community makes me extremely proud both as a veteran and as a dedicated student in Hokie nation. My goals, near and far, are to take my skills and be the kind of business and engineering asset that can reliably help better all of our lives for years to come.